Hilton to bolster Nigerian presence with three hotels, 393 rooms by 2029

…Kano to witness first international brand

The Nigerian hospitality market is set for a boost as Hilton plans to open three new hotels by 2029, which are expected to add 393 rooms to the market.

The anticipated hotels include: The Wave Hotel Abuja Jabi, Curio Collection by Hilton (93 rooms); Hilton Lagos Ikeja (200 rooms) and Hilton Garden Inn in Kano (100 rooms).

While the Abuja hotel is expected to open in 2026, the remaining two are billed to open in 2029, offering a combined 393 rooms.

The Wave Hotel Abuja Jabi, Curio Collection by Hilton in Jabi, Abuja. It will feature 93 stylishly appointed guest rooms, upscale dining venues, an outdoor pool, and a wellness centre.

When opened in 2026, The Wave Hotel Abuja Jabi will be the second Curio Collection by Hilton in Nigeria, following Legend Hotel Lagos Airport, Curio Collection by Hilton, which is first. It is developed in partnership with The Wave Hotel Limited (OpCo), and is about a 10-minute drive from Abuja’s Commercial Business District.

There is high expectation for the hotel opening because each hotel in Curio Collection is hand-picked to immerse guests in one-of-a-kind moments in the world’s most sought-after destinations, evoking a bespoke story through distinctive architecture and design, world-class food and beverage, and curated experiences.

On its part, Hilton Lagos Ikeja is being developed in partnership with Cornfield Group. Located in Ikeja’s government and residential hub, the hotel is strategically situated near corporate and governmental offices and in proximity to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Slated to open in 2029, the hotel will feature 200 modern guest rooms and suites – and offers elevated dining options such as an all-day dining restaurant, a signature restaurant, a lobby bar, a pool bar & grill, and a destination bar. The hotel will also include a spacious ballroom, four meeting rooms, and a fully equipped fitness centre.

It is also exciting to note that the debut of Hilton Garden Inn in Kano by 2029 will mark Kano’s first internationally branded hotel. The new hotel, being developed in partnership with Akhim Plus Limited, will offer 100 guest rooms, flexible meeting rooms, an outdoor pool, and a fitness centre.

Read also: Hilton bets big on Africa’s hospitality boom as rising middle class travels fuel demand – Khneisser

Expected to open in 2029, the hotel’s location near key sites including: Government House, Emir’s Palace, National Museum, Kano Race Course, Kano Golf Club, and Meena Event Centre, makes it an ideal choice for business and leisure travellers alike.

However, the Nigerian expansion is part of Hilton’s plan to triple its presence in Africa to more than 160 hotels in the coming years in markets including: Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Angola and Madagascar.

Meanwhile, the openings are aimed at supporting Africa’s burgeoning hospitality sector and creating approximately 18,000 jobs for local people.

Speaking on the rationale for the expansion, Carlos Khneisser, chief development officer, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said, “We are thrilled to announce several new hotel agreements, which significantly expand our footprint in Africa, a continent brimming with potential and opportunity. Our development strategy underscores our commitment to supporting Africa’s hospitality sector as we partner with owners to grow our footprint, deliver exceptional stays for our customers and create jobs for local people. Africa offers incredible opportunities, from thriving business hubs to vibrant cultures, wildlife, and natural landscapes. We are excited to unveil a host of new destinations building on Hilton’s legacy of hospitality across Africa for over 65 years.”

Currently, Hilton, a foremost global hotel chain, operates 63 hotels in Africa, with more than 100 under development. All hotels will be part of Hilton Honors, Hilton’s award-winning loyalty programme with over 218 million members globally.