Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, has signed an International Management Agreement with Radisson Hospitality Belgium and Edison Hotel and Property Development Company for the operation of its 204-room hotel and conference centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, with commissioning slated for December 2026.
The agreement, executed in Durban, marks a major milestone in the Board’s push to deepen oil and gas ecosystem infrastructure and strengthen Bayelsa’s positioning as a corporate and conference destination.
The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said negotiations, compliance reviews and stakeholder engagements for the deal spanned more than two years.
“Discussions, reviews and compliance requirements lasted over two years, and we secured the approval of all key stakeholders, including the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. Their support ensured that the agreement meets Nigeria’s legal and regulatory standards,” Ogbe said.
The 204-room facility, located adjacent to the Nigerian Content Tower in Swali, Yenagoa, is designed to serve oil and gas industry stakeholders as well as the broader business community.
Ogbe described the project as a strategic investment aimed at expanding economic activity in the Niger Delta.
“Our aspiration is to deliver a world-class hotel in Yenagoa with a fully equipped conference centre designed to serve industry stakeholders and the Nigerian public,” he said.
He pledged NCDMB’s commitment to delivering the project on schedule.
“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 and achieve opening in December 2026.”
Executive Chairman of Edison Corporation, Mr. Vivian Reedy, said his company would act as the bridge between asset owner and operator, ensuring disciplined governance and performance management.
“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,” Reedy said.
He added that Edison’s role includes protecting the owner’s investment while enabling Radisson to achieve operational excellence.
“This project represents more than a hotel. It represents a partnership, a trust and a long-term vision for sustainable value creation,” he stated. “Edison is fully committed to ensuring that the asset performs strongly, operates efficiently and delivers lasting value.”
Reedy noted the group’s previous collaborations with Radisson, citing instances of up to 95 percent occupancy rates in other markets.
The Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Yenagoa is expected to serve as a catalyst for conferences, corporate travel and investment inflows into Bayelsa State.
Ogbe underscored the broader economic rationale behind the project.
“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.”
Mr. Wada Ahmed Wada, representing the Attorney-General of the Federation, described the signing as historic and wished the parties success in their commercial relationship.
With global brand backing, structured governance and a fixed delivery timeline, stakeholders say the project signals NCDMB’s broader strategy of leveraging infrastructure to drive value creation across Nigeria’s oil and gas corridor.
