The Federal Government has warned hotel owners and managers across Nigeria against allowing their facilities to be used for illegal activities as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, issued the warning at the JAGZ Hospitality Conference 2026, held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Fagbemi urged operators in the hospitality industry to strengthen their security measures, comply with relevant laws and regulations, and cooperate with security agencies to prevent their establishments from being exploited for criminal activities.
He delivered the message through Fernandez Marcus-Obiene, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Justice Sector Reform and ICT/Digital and Innovative Technology.
According to the minister, hotels have an important role to play in maintaining security as political activities increase ahead of the 2027 elections.
He emphasised the need for accurate guest records, effective information management and closer collaboration between hotel operators and relevant authorities to address potential security threats during the electoral period.
FG Urges Hotels to Strengthen Security Ahead of 2027 Polls
Fagbemi called on hospitality operators to maintain high standards of professionalism, remain politically neutral and work closely with government institutions to safeguard their facilities.
He noted that hotels are expected to accommodate politicians, campaign organisations, journalists, business representatives and other visitors during the 2027 electioneering period, making adequate security arrangements increasingly important.
The minister’s warning comes as stakeholders prepare for the security and operational challenges that could arise from heightened political activities across the country.
He urged hotel owners and managers to ensure their establishments comply with applicable regulations while putting measures in place to prevent criminal exploitation.
JAGZ Hospitality Conference Examines Hotels, Money and Election Security
The conference, themed “The Hotel at the Centre: Money, Elections, Security,” brought together government officials, security personnel, regulatory authorities and hospitality professionals to examine the responsibilities of hotel operators amid emerging security and financial challenges.
Speaking at the event, the convener and Group Managing Director of Charis Ultimo Hotels Limited, Lugard Agbomoagan, said the hospitality industry had evolved beyond providing accommodation to become a significant part of international tourism, foreign investment, cross-border transactions and regional business activities.
He explained that the growing intersection of hotels, financial transactions and political activities made it essential for operators to understand their legal obligations and security responsibilities.
“Our central question is simple: When money, politics, security and cross-border business enter the hotel, who guides the hotelier? We are not here to portray hotels as places of danger or suspicion. We are here because responsible hospitality requires preparedness, professionalism and compliance,” Agbomoagan said.
He added that hotel managers must understand how to protect guests and employees while meeting financial and regulatory requirements.
According to him, operators should also have clear procedures for responding to suspicious activities and security concerns within their premises.
“In an increasingly connected world, hotel operators must also understand the legal and operational realities that arise when guests, businesses, payments and transactions cross borders,” he said.
Hotel Operators Told to Prepare for Electoral Season
Agbomoagan said the approaching 2027 electoral cycle would place additional responsibilities on hospitality businesses because of the expected influx of political figures, campaign teams, media organisations and security personnel.
He urged hotel managers to assess their security arrangements well before the election period begins rather than wait until incidents occur.
“As we approach the 2027 electoral cycle, this conversation becomes even more relevant. So we must ask ourselves now: Are our hotels prepared? This is why we have deliberately brought together people who see these issues from different perspectives,” he said.
He stressed that proactive planning, regulatory compliance and professional security management were necessary to protect hotel facilities and the people who use them.
JAGZ Hotel Highlights CCTV Surveillance Measures
The conference convener also highlighted security arrangements at The JAGZ Hotel, explaining that the facility operates a dedicated Surveillance Unit to monitor activities across its premises.
According to Agbomoagan, personnel continuously observe CCTV footage to identify unusual activities and respond to potential incidents.
“We do not just have CCTV cameras at The JAGZ Hotel. We have a department called the Surveillance Unit, where personnel monitor the CCTV feeds and observe what is going on around the hotel every single second,” he said.
The example highlighted the importance of combining surveillance technology with dedicated personnel and effective incident-response procedures.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the Federal Government’s message underscores the need for hotels to maintain secure environments, comply with relevant laws and cooperate with appropriate authorities without compromising professional standards or political neutrality.
The hospitality sector is expected to play a significant supporting role during the electoral period, making early security planning and responsible management essential for protecting guests, employees and business operations.