The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on Monday signed an International Management Agreement (IMA) with Radisson Hospitality Belgium and Edison Hotel and Property Development Company for the operation of its 204-room hotel and conference centre located adjacent to the Nigerian Content Tower in Swali, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The agreement was executed 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.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ogbe disclosed that discussions, reviews and compliance processes for the agreement spanned over two years. He confirmed that the Board secured approvals from key stakeholders, including the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.
According to him, the support of the Attorney-General ensured that the agreement met all Nigerian legal and regulatory requirements.
Ogbe said the Board’s vision is to deliver a world-class hotel and fully equipped conference centre in Yenagoa that will cater to oil and gas industry stakeholders as well as the general public.
He reaffirmed NCDMB’s commitment to completing the project on schedule, with an official opening targeted for December.
“We appreciate our responsibilities—construction quality, pre-opening readiness, funding, safety and security compliance, and maintaining Radisson’s global standards. We will do our best to meet our obligations,” Ogbe stated.
He urged Radisson Hospitality to deploy its global expertise, systems and brand strength to ensure excellent service delivery and premium guest experience at the facility.
The Executive Secretary added that the partnership with Edison Hotels would create a hospitality asset reflecting international quality standards and further strengthen Bayelsa State’s position as a key oil and gas hub.
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“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,” he said. “When completed, the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Yenagoa will stand not only as a hotel but as a symbol of what strong partnerships can achieve.”
In his remarks, Vivian Reedy, Executive Chairman of Edison Corporation, described his company’s role as a bridge between the asset owner and the operator.
He emphasized that successful hotel management goes beyond physical infrastructure, noting that disciplined management, strong governance, brand integrity and accountability are critical to long-term performance.
“Our responsibility is to ensure the hotel is delivered, operated and managed in a manner that protects and enhances the owner’s investment, while fully supporting Radisson in achieving operational excellence,” Reedy said.
He expressed confidence that, through collaboration with Radisson and NCDMB, the Yenagoa facility would emerge as the leading hospitality and conference destination in Bayelsa State, serving as a catalyst for business growth and investment.
Reedy further revealed that Edison Corporation has recorded strong occupancy performance in previous partnerships with Radisson in other locations, including instances of up to 95 per cent occupancy rates.
“This project represents more than a hotel. It represents partnership, trust and a long-term vision for sustainable value creation,” he added, assuring stakeholders of the company’s commitment to efficiency and value delivery.
Representing the Attorney-General of the Federation at the event, Mr. Wada Ahmed Wada described the signing ceremony as historic and wished the parties a successful and mutually beneficial business relationship.
The Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Yenagoa is expected to significantly enhance hospitality infrastructure in Bayelsa State and support the Nigerian oil and gas sector by providing a modern venue for conferences, business meetings and tourism activities.