Leading voices in the hospitality and tourism industry gathered recently in Lagos at the Hospitality Enterprise Network (HEN) 2025 Conference to discuss the future of investment across Africa’s growing markets.
Highlights of the event included product sales, experiential marketing, industry insights, business-to-business-customers (B2BC), collaborations, brand/product exposure, networking, exhibitions, conferences, and panel sessions to discuss key issues affecting the industry.
At one of the panel sessions titled “Risk, Reward and Reality: Is Hospitality Still a Smart Investment?” Mr. Francis Ogosi, Hospitality Manager at Glocient Hospitality, shared some of the most practical insights into the opportunities and challenges shaping the sector, especially in the remote parts of the country.
Glocient Hospitality is the hospitality management and development company of Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Center, Ekiti State, which has been voted the best Holiday Resort in Nigeria for 2 years in a row.
Mr. Ogosi identified security challenges and the rising cost of operations as two of the biggest risks that investors must carefully evaluate when considering hospitality projects in Nigeria. He highlighted that while the market remains full of promise, success cannot be achieved without proper groundwork.
According to him, investors must conduct comprehensive feasibility studies, prepare accurate pre-opening budgets, and develop a clear understanding of the Nigerian model of doing business before embarking on new projects.
“Hospitality in Nigeria remains an attractive opportunity, but success depends on preparation and local awareness. Investors must do their studies, plan their budgets carefully, and acknowledge the operating realities on the ground. With the right approach, the rewards remain significant,” Ogosi stated.
He further emphasized that hospitality investment in Nigeria requires a balance of resilience, adaptability, and long-term strategy. Despite the evident risks, Mr. Ogosi noted that the sector continues to present strong growth potential, driven by business tourism, leisure travel, domestic tourism, and the increasing demand for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).
The session offered valuable perspectives for investors, operators, and policymakers seeking to navigate Nigeria’s evolving tourism and hospitality market. It reinforced the importance of strategic planning, sustainability, and collaboration as the sector positions itself for long-term growth.
