The Oyo State Government has launched a sensitisation campaign to regulate and enhance the hospitality sector by ensuring all hotels within the state are properly registered.
The initiative, organised by the state’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism in collaboration with the Hoteliers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, aims to encourage compliance among hotel operators.
Flagging off the exercise in Ibadan on Thursday, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatubosun, stated that the campaign would last two weeks in the state capital before expanding to other zones.
According to Olatubosun, sensitisation teams will visit hotels across Ibadan, delivering official letters that outline the benefits of registration.
“All hotel operators are expected to register with the Oyo State Tourism Board. Once this phase is completed in Ibadan, our teams will move to other parts of the state.
“We have scheduled an additional three weeks to cover other regions, ensuring that all zones are reached within the next five weeks,” he explained.
He urged hoteliers to cooperate, highlighting that the government is not only enforcing compliance but also seeking to support the industry.
“Beyond ensuring that hoteliers meet the necessary requirements, the state government is keen on assisting businesses in the sector. Establishing a centralised database will help us plan effectively and enhance operations across the industry,” he said.
As part of the initiative, the commissioner personally distributed letters to some hotels in the Bodija area of Ibadan.
Supporting the initiative, the president of the Hoteliers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Ayodele Ogundele, emphasised the importance of a comprehensive database for the sector.
He stressed that maintaining accurate records is essential for both security and economic planning.
“Development is impossible without data. In many industries, some form of registration is mandatory before commencing operations.
“For instance, if you purchase a commercial tricycle, you cannot simply put it on the road and start transporting passengers without registering it first,” he noted.
He cited a past incident in Ife as an example of the risks associated with unregulated hospitality businesses, stating that Oyo State was taking proactive measures to prevent similar occurrences.
Ogundele expressed concerns about untrained individuals operating hotels without a clear understanding of industry standards and regulations.
“Many hotel operators are unaware that they are required to keep a copy of every lodger’s identification card.
“With the increasing presence of Airbnb, serviced apartments, and private suites, there is a greater need for precautionary measures,” he said.
He reiterated that while the hospitality industry welcomes all investors, businesses must adhere to established guidelines to ensure proper oversight and accountability.
Ogundele also highlighted the state’s broader vision of creating a detailed industry directory to track business performance and guide future government support.
He referenced the significant economic gains recorded in Lagos during the festive period known as ‘Detty December’ and noted that Oyo State is preparing to capitalise on similar opportunities.
“Lagos made impressive revenue from hospitality during Detty December, and now every state wants to replicate that success.
“Oyo State has recognised the potential of the sector and is taking proactive steps to position itself for future growth,” he explained.
Prior to this campaign, many hotels registered with the authorities but failed to maintain engagement with the system.
“Registration is not just about fees; it’s also about access to information. Many businesses register and then disappear, without providing updated contact details,” he said.
Ogundele noted that the association has over a thousand registered members, but not all actively participate in meetings or receive updates.
“Our goal is to ensure that every hotel, regardless of its size, is integrated into the system. This way, we can foster a stronger, more coordinated hospitality industry in Oyo State,” he concluded
