Jagz Hotel eyes African growth as AfCFTA opens new hospitality opportunities

Gbenga Lagard Agbomoagan, managing director, Jagz Hotel, has disclosed that the increasing economic integration, trade and visa-free travel arrangements under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) would create new opportunities for the hospitality sector.

Agbomoagan, who unveiled Jonathan Odia as the hotel’s new General Manager during a press conference in Ibadan, said there are greater opportunities for the hospitality industry under the AfCFTA, and his company would take advantage of the opportunities.

The AfCFTA unites 55 nations into a $3.4 trillion economic bloc. It eliminates tariffs on 90% of goods, removes non-tariff barriers, and opens service sectors.

To this end, he revealed that the hotel is poised as an emerging African hospitality brand with ambitions extending beyond Nigeria, adding that hospitality concerns must evolve to meet the needs of a new generation of African and international travellers as cross-border business activities boom.

According to him, the more African countries open their borders and encourage free movement, the greater the demand for quality hospitality services, a nd that is why we are positioning our brand to take advantage of a borderless African economy and become a leading hospitality destination on the continent.

Unveiling the company’s strategic growth plans and its vision of becoming a leading African hospitality brand, The Jagz, he further disclosed is currently pursuing expansion plans that include additional rooms, improved guest facilities, upgraded infrastructure and a planned expansion to Abuja as well as other strategic locations across Africa.

“Our long-term growth strategy is to support the growth in tourism, trade and business travel expected from deeper continental integration, while the hotel’s vision is to build a hospitality institution capable of hosting premium events, international conferences and world-class experiences across Africa.

“The move is designed to position the brand as a leading hospitality destination capable of hosting premium events, major conferences and world-class experiences and player with the African sub-region.

Saying that the vision of the hotel from inception was to create a hospitality experience that combines luxury with authentic African culture and values, the Managing Director said that “since we commence operations about 20 months ago, The Jagz has recorded steady growth in occupancy rates, expanded its corporate clientele base and strengthened its reputation within and beyond Nigeria into a respected brand known for excellence, innovation and customer-focused services.

The appointment of the new General Manager, he pointed out, was part of deliberate efforts to strengthen leadership, improve service delivery and position the hotel for its next phase of growth.

The hotel also announced plans to host the second edition of the Jagz Hospitality Conference in 2026. The conference, themed “Electioneering and Hotels in Nigeria,” will bring together policymakers, investors, hospitality operators and industry leaders to discuss the future of the hospitality industry. Expected at the conference as speakers include the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, and other key stakeholders, among others.

The new GM, Odia, in his remarks pledged to build on the hotel’s achievements through improved service delivery, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Expressing gratitude to the management for the confidence reposed in him, he said, “I am committed to ensuring that The Jagz continues to set standards in the hospitality industry. We will focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences, strengthening customer relationships and positioning the brand for greater heights.

Odia, who had spent over 30 years in the industry, working with some of the world’s most recognised hotel brands, said his professional experience spans both local and international hospitality markets, having risen through the ranks from Front Office Manager to General Manager.

He traced his career journey to Abuja, where he began in 1986 with the Golden Tulip brand before moving to Hilton Hotel Abuja, Sheraton Abuja, Southern Sun, Marriott, Continental, InterContinental and Rotana Hotels in the United Arab Emirates.

“I have worked and travelled extensively both within Nigeria and abroad. Over the years, I have served in various leadership positions, including Front Office Manager, Manager, Assistant General Manager and General Manager. I have gained extensive experience, and together we will continue to move forward and achieve greater success,” he said.

Wasiu Olatubosun, Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, commended The Jagz for its commitment to excellence and contribution to the development of tourism and hospitality in Oyo State.

“The Jagz’s entry into Oyo State has not only changed the narrative but has also set the pace for other hospitality brands operating in the state. What stands the hotel out is not only the quality of its services but also its responsiveness whenever the government seeks collaboration,” he said.

He also lauded the rapid growth of JAGZ Hotel, noting that despite operating for less than three years, the hotel had emerged as one of the leading hospitality establishments in Oyo State.

According to him, the hotel’s reputation for quality service and professionalism has distinguished it from competitors within the state’s hospitality industry.

“Before this hotel came on board, there were several leading hotels in Ibadan competing for recognition. However, I have not heard any negative comments from anyone concerning JAGZ Hotel.

He, however, described Odia as a highly accomplished hospitality professional whose wealth of experience would add tremendous value to the organisation.