NCDMB attracts Radisson, Edison to Yenagoa
The Local Content agency positions Bayelsa as premium oil and gas conference hub with 204-room facility set for December 2026 opening.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has sealed an international management agreement with Radisson Hospitality Belgium and Edison Hotel and Property Development Company, in a move that signals a strategic expansion into high-value hospitality infrastructure in Bayelsa State.
The agreement, signed in Durban, South Africa, formalises the management structure for the Board’s 204-room hotel and conference centre located adjacent to the Nigerian Content Tower in Swali, Yenagoa. The facility is scheduled to open in December 2026 and is designed to serve oil and gas stakeholders as well as the broader Nigerian business community.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe confirmed that negotiations, compliance reviews, and regulatory processes lasted over two years before the deal was finalised. He disclosed that the Board secured approvals from key stakeholders, including the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi.
“Their support ensured that the Agreement meets Nigeria’s legal and regulatory standards,” he said.
Ogbe stated that the ambition is to deliver a world-class hotel in Yenagoa, complete with a fully equipped conference centre capable of hosting major oil and gas engagements and national events. He reaffirmed NCDMB’s commitment to completing the project on schedule and meeting global hospitality benchmarks.
“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,” he said.
He urged Radisson Hospitality to deploy its global expertise, operational systems, and brand strength to ensure that the facility delivers excellent service and guest experience. According to him, the collaboration with Edison Hotels is expected to produce a hospitality asset that reflects international quality while strengthening Bayelsa’s position as an oil and gas hub.
Also Read: NCDMB tightens compliance in midstream sector, warns operators against violations
“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,” Ogbe added. “When completed, the Radisson Hotel and Conference Centre 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 company’s role as a bridge between the asset owner and the international operator, stressing the importance of governance and performance oversight in hospitality investments.
“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 said.
Reedy explained that Edison’s responsibility includes ensuring that the hotel is delivered, operated, and managed in a manner that protects the owner’s investment while supporting Radisson in achieving operational excellence. He expressed confidence that the Yenagoa facility will emerge as the leading hospitality and conference destination in Bayelsa State and serve as a catalyst for business growth and investment inflow.
He noted that Edison’s previous collaborations with Radisson at other locations achieved occupancy levels as high as 95 percent, adding that the company’s approach focuses on strengthening governance, supporting performance, and safeguarding owner interests.
“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,” he said.
Representing the Attorney-General of the Federation at the ceremony, Mr Wada Ahmed Wada described the agreement as historic and wished the parties success in their business relationship.
Beyond hospitality, the project signals NCDMB’s broader strategy of leveraging infrastructure investments to deepen local content, strengthen business ecosystems, and position Bayelsa as a destination capable of hosting international-scale conferences and industry engagements.
