Sopuruchi Onwuka

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is working with key private sector partners to commission a 204-room hotel and conference center near its headquarters in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State.

The agency which is currently developing capacity for hosting policy and strategy debates for the petroleum industry in Nigeria has signed an international management agreement (IMA) with Radisson Hospitality Belgium, and Edison Hotel and Property Development Company on administration of the facilities.

Upon commissioning as planned in December, the hotel and conference facilities would operate adjacent the Nigerian Content Tower, Swali, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where NCDMB hosts key industry conferences and exhibitions annually.

Oracle Intelligence reports that since the Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) conference and the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Forum (NOGOF) formed key events that pool delegates to summits in Bayelsa State, industry delegates have constantly pointed ad dearth of accommodation and congenial venues as major concerns.

The NCDMB stated that the challenge informed the need to invest in development of conference facilities that would provide congenial venues for all industry and sundry conferences related to the agency.

General Manager in Charge of Corporate Communications,Dr Obinna Ezeobi, stated that NCDMB entered agreement with partners with globally acclaimed brands in the hospitality industry as the development of the conferencing facilities approach completion.

According to him, the management agreement for the facility was signed in Durban, South Africa by the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe; Executive Chairman of Edison Corporation, Mr. Vivian Reedy; and Director of Radisson, Mr. Garnier Erwan.

Engr Ogbe pledged NCDMB’s commitment to completing the hotel on schedule and achieving the opening in December, adding that The aspiration is to deliver a world‑class facility designed to serve the oil and gas industry stakeholders and the Nigerian public.

Under the terms of the agreement, Radisson Hospitality is to bring expertise, systems, and brand strength to deliver a hotel and event facilities that offer excellent service and guest experience.

On signing the agreement in Durban, Engr Ogbe confirmed that discussions, reviews, and compliance requirements had lasted over two years, adding that NCDMB secured the approval of all key stakeholders, including the Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi.

According to him, “their support ensured that the Agreement meets Nigeria’s legal and regulatory standards.”

“We appreciate our responsibilities—construction quality, pre‑opening readiness, funding, safety and security compliance, and maintaining Radisson’s global standard. We will do our best to meet our obligations.”

Engr OGbe expressed hope that the partnership with Edison Hotels will create a facility that reflects global quality and supports Bayelsa’s position as an oil and gas hub.

He added that “this project reflects NCDMB’s commitment to using strategic investments to boost productivity, attract investment, build local content, and expand opportunities for business and tourism in Nigeria.

“When completed, the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Yenagoa will stand not only as a hotel, but also as a symbol of what strong partnerships can achieve.”

Executive Chairman of Edison Corporation, Mr. Vivian Reedy described his organization’s role as a bridge between the owner and the operator, highlighting the group’s intensive experience in the hotel industry, and determination to ensure alignment, transparency, accountability and performance.

“We understand that a successful hotel is not just about buildings. It is about disciplined management, strong oversight, brand integrity, and a shared commitment to excellence,” he emphasized.

Part of the group’s responsibility is to ensure that the hotel is delivered, operated, and managed in a manner that protects and announces the owner’s investment, while fully supporting Radisson in achieving operational excellence, he added.

The Executive Chairman assured that working closely with Radisson and NCDMB’s team, the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, Yenagoa will become the leading hospitality and conference destination in Bayelsa State, a catalyst for business and investment, and a symbol of quality professionalism and international standards.

He reported that the firm has had wonderful successes with Radisson in other locations, even achieving 95% occupancies. “Our approach is to strengthen governance, support performance, and ensure the interests of the owners are always safeguarded.”

He said “this project represents more than a hotel. It represents a partnership, a trust, and a long-term vision for sustainable value creation. We thank Radisson for its global expertise and operational excellence. Edison is fully committed to ensuring that the asset performs strongly, operates efficiently, and delivers lasting value to its owner.”

Mr. Wada Ahmed Wada, who represented the Attorney‑General of the Federation, described the signing ceremony as historic and wished the parties success in their business relationship.