IHG expands footprint in West Africa, to launch Crowne Plaza Lagos

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality groups, has announced the signing of Crowne Plaza Lagos Ikeja, a 119-room upscale hotel set to open in early 2028.

The development marks a significant expansion of IHG’s presence in West Africa and highlights its long-term commitment to growing across key African markets.

The hotel will be developed under a franchise agreement with Watercress Hotel International Limited and will be operated by Valor Hospitality Partners, a global hotel management company and a trusted IHG partner.

Set in the heart of Ikeja, Lagos’ main administrative and commercial district, Crowne Plaza Lagos Ikeja will benefit from its close proximity to major landmarks including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja City Mall, corporate offices, foreign embassies, and cultural destinations like the Nike Art Gallery.

The hotel’s location also ensures easy access to the city’s vibrant waterfront, including Tarkwa Bay and Elegushi Beach, making it attractive to both business and leisure travellers.

The new hotel will introduce Crowne Plaza’s signature hospitality offerings to the Nigerian market for the first time. These include:

Upon opening, the hotel will join the global network of over 400 Crowne Plaza hotels, known for blending work-life balance and guest-centric innovation.

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Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts, India, Middle East & Africa, said the move reflects IHG’s strong interest in Nigeria’s growing market:

“Lagos is one of Africa’s most influential commercial and cultural centres. This signing demonstrates our strategic commitment to expanding our footprint in West Africa and delivering world-class hospitality experiences in high-growth markets.”

Samuel Ayinde, Executive Director at Watercress Hotel International Limited, emphasized the project’s national relevance:

“We are proud to partner with IHG to bring the Crowne Plaza brand to Lagos. Our goal is to develop a landmark hotel that reflects Lagos’ dynamism and ambition, while setting new standards in the Nigerian hospitality industry through quality, service, and guest satisfaction.”

The transaction was facilitated by Olayiwola Matthew, Founder of HeroPlus Hospitality Consulting, who acted as development advisor to Watercress Hotel International.

His firm provided expertise in brand selection, feasibility analysis, operator negotiations, and deal execution, ensuring alignment with both market realities and brand objectives.

The signing of Crowne Plaza Lagos Ikeja signals a pivotal step in IHG’s regional growth agenda and affirms Lagos’ position as a hospitality investment hotspot.

Once completed, the property is expected to raise the bar for business and leisure accommodation in Nigeria’s most dynamic city, blending global hospitality standards with local character.