Aleph Hospitality To Manage A’Ibom Hotels As State Moves To Global Tourism Standards
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Akwa Ibom State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with international hotel management company, Aleph Hospitality, to take over the management of its key hospitality assets.
The decision is said to have been made to reposition the state as Nigeria’s leading tourism and conference destination.
The move, which signals a new phase in Governor Umo Eno’s tourism development agenda, is expected to bring globally accepted operational standards to state-owned hotels while boosting investor confidence, increasing visitor traffic and enhancing the competitiveness of Akwa Ibom’s hospitality sector.
Managing Director of Ibom Hotels and Delivery Advisor to the Governor, Sir Charles Udoh, disclosed this during an interview in Uyo at the weekend, saying the partnership forms part of the administration’s comprehensive plan to unlock the economic potential of tourism through professional management of public hospitality infrastructure.
According to Udoh, Aleph Hospitality will manage the Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort, Four Points by Sheraton, the Arise Park Resort and the Ibom International Hotel and Convention Centre upon the completion of ongoing negotiations.
He explained that the decision was informed by Governor Eno’s determination to restore the state’s hospitality assets to world-class standards and ensure they are managed by an internationally recognised operator with proven expertise.
“The dream of His Excellency is to restore the pride of these hospitality assets and return them to their rightful place among the best. Bringing in Aleph Hospitality is part of that deliberate strategy to ensure global standards in service delivery and management,” Udoh said.
He noted that the ongoing comprehensive renovation of Ibom Icon Hotel remains a key component of the plan, describing the facility as Akwa Ibom’s flagship tourism asset, which is currently undergoing a complete transformation from its ceilings and floors to its furnishings and engineering systems.
Udoh disclosed that the upgrade includes the installation of three new 1,500KVA Compressed Natural Gas generators, solar-powered lighting across the premises and two new industrial chillers to guarantee a stable power supply and efficient cooling while reducing operating costs.
He also revealed that the government approved a ₦1.5 billion staff disengagement package to reposition the hotel for a new operational structure, noting that some employees received severance benefits of up to ₦41 million, describing the exercise as one of the most generous in Nigeria’s hospitality industry.
Despite the ongoing renovation, he said Ibom Icon Hotel has continued to attract major clients, pointing to the recent retreat hosted by the Abia State Executive Council as evidence that the facility’s serene environment, quality service and hospitality culture remain attractive to visitors.
Udoh further highlighted the strategic importance of the resort’s championship golf course, saying it remains one of the hotel’s strongest business drivers, with recent tournaments attracting more than 300 participants and earning commendation from organisers for the quality of services provided.
He added that the state is also preparing to commission the Arise Park Resort in September. The facility, built on a reclaimed erosion site, will feature an artificial lake with floating restaurants, apartments, conference facilities, indoor sports centres, children’s recreational areas and a mini golf course, with projections of creating at least 1,000 direct jobs.
