What is the secret to success in Nigeria’s hotel management industry? The key to success for an investor in the real estate market especially in the hospitality industry in Nigeria has been the same as what it has for the last 100 years and that is the location of the hotel. To win the game however, you need a number of things including successful marketing, good planning, wonderful architects and engineers, and professionals who can help you along the way. Sometimes, you may need a bit of luck to break through.
That being said, what is the outlook for hotel management in Nigeria? What is Nigeria’ potential to offer hotel services which are truly a home away from home? This article covers these and provides use tips in the Nigeria’s property trade specifically in hotel management industry.
Time, patience and consistency in quality are essential to the success of hotel management in Nigeria from design to construction and subsequent management of the hotel. It might interest you to know that Lagos state, Nigeria is the most preferred destination of choice when it comes to investing in the hospitality industry in Nigeria. This is so because the state is home to major International Airport in Nigeria and Africa, has a huge number of airlines flying in both international and domestic, a large number of Companies and their subsidiaries, a large population and the availability of a large pool of basic and social amenities. So, it is inevitable that the highest volume of demand for quality hotel accommodation is in Lagos. This attracts a lot of local and international investors to develop and/or manage hotels in this part of the country.
But there is a little problem…
The tourism sector in Africa is said to be one of the fastest growing in the world. Visitors are attracted to the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Africa. However, while the South African market continues to see a rise in the number of international visitors flooding in, Nigeria has not done as well as expected over the past three years. The outlook remains bleak as the real estate sector sits in a recession.
What could be responsible for this?
The reason is not far-fetched. The hotel industry relies on the many other sectors of the economy especially the oil and gas industry for its demand, for its hotel rooms. Following what’s happened since 2014 with the plunging prices of oil and in 2015 the plunging output, things have since taken a downward turn for the hospitality industry in Nigeria. When the oil and gas industry/economy in Nigeria is not thriving, the hotel industry also catches a cold. But this isn’t stopping savvy investors from coming into the market. Lagos, for example, has seen an increase in the number of luxury hospitality brands springing up.
This background is necessary to give you an idea of what the hospitality industry in Nigeria and how to go about hotel management in Nigeria as an investor or as a job seeker.
Hotel Management in Nigeria for Investors (Local and International)
So, if you want to invest in hotel management in Nigeria, these are the things to do:
- Have A Vision For The Niche You Want To Play In
The first thing is for you to decide on the particular niche of hospitality industry you want to key into, the kind of hotel you want to build. You need to decide on the quality of staff and management you want to implement in your ideal hotel. This is where it starts for an investor.
- Get The Consultants To Help You Make The Vision A Reality
Once you decide on the vision for your hotel, you have to then gather the consultants who are able and capable in that those areas and in those levels. Then, you pass on the vision to them and see to it that they implement everything according to the plan.
The Challenges…
There are a number of roadblocks that you are likely to face in putting up and managing a hotel in Nigeria and these are discussed below.
- Trade Problems
First and foremost, there is generally difficulty in getting people who can deliver to the standard you want. Another trade problem is compliance problems. Sometimes, it is difficult to get a consultant to stretch themselves to meet the specification and standard. This may warrant having to repeat a process over and again to get the quality and standard that you desire.
- Governmental, Equity, and Management Problems.
In Nigeria, there is the usual problem of governmental authorities who come to demand one thing or the other and sometimes delay or request that the job be stopped for whatever reason. Besides, there is the issue of finance. The interest rates are very high and you are to have a lot of equity; your own equity and then the actual management of your hotel. It is not easy to deliver first-class service, five star hotel services in Nigeria. Sometimes, the management team has to be trained and retrained and followed-up to get the desired result.
Employment Opportunities in Hotel Management in Nigeria
Due to the complexity of the hospitality industry and the variegated needs of people, there is a huge demand for different skilled workforce in the hospitality industry. As it applies elsewhere, so does it apply to Nigeria. That is why today there are various hotel management job openings in the hospitality industry such as
- A hotel manager job
- A PR manager job
- A restaurant manager job
- A hotel administrator job
- A catering manager job
How to Become A Hotel Manager in Nigeria
To become hotel manager in Nigeria, you have to be trained and certified. In Nigeria, there are several companies that train and certify people as hotel managers in Nigeria. Some of them are:
- Alpha Partners.
- Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria or simply HATMAN.
- Legend Hospitality Managers Limited.
- National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism or simply NIHOTOUR.
- Hospitality Legend Limited.
- Passionview Solutions Limited.
- And many others.
Salary of Hospitality Manager in Nigeria
The average salary of a hotel manager in Nigeria as of 2019 was about N500,000 per month. Roughly, it is between N375,000 per month to N650,000 per month. This must have increased or decreased by now. How much you earn depends on several factors like the volume of remuneration earned by the hotel you work at. This also depends on the location, the number of outlets and the volume of investments done by the hotel administration. Another factors that might influence how much you are paid as a hotel manager in Nigeria is the your experience and professionalism in the hospitality industry as well as the possession of other unique skillsets.
Hotel management in Nigeria whether seen from the angle of investment of a job is a lucrative industry to play in. It offers a lot of potential to anyone interested in it to learn, earn and grow at the same time. Now that you know what hotel management in Nigeria entails, the question is, “would you like to come in? if not, why?” Let me have your response in the comments box below. Thank you and have a blessed day ahead.
