Hotel giant signs deal to build resort at Lagos Airport

Hilton has announced the signing of a management agreement with Quality Inspection & Testing Services Limited to open a 350 guest-room and suite hotel at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Nigeria.

The hotel, which was signed at AHIF 2016 in Rwanda, is set to open in 2023 and joins Hilton’s growing African portfolio of more than 80 properties trading or in the development pipeline, which will see it more than double its presence across Africa in the next 3-5 years.

“With a population of more than 16 million, Lagos is the seventh-fastest growing city in the world and the second largest in Africa, with much of the nation's wealth and economic activity concentrated here,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, EMEA, Hilton Worldwide.

“Strong growth is forecasted in both domestic and international travellers using Murtala Muhammed International Airport, so this exemplary new hotel will be well placed to meet traveller’s needs, offering an unparalleled level of design, comfort and service.”

The hotel will be situated close to Ikeja, the capital of Lagos State, as well as the passenger terminals at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, which services travelers flying to hundreds of destinations around the world.

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Mr. Sam Iwuajoku, Chairman and CEO of QUITS, said: “The signing of the agreement to open Hilton Lagos Airport is testament to a period of exciting growth and development for Lagos. Our plans to build an exceptional hotel at the international airport will revolutionise the traveller experience and also offer a state-of-the-art choice for conferences, meetings and events. We look forward to a very successful collaboration with Hilton Worldwide on this outstanding development.”

Hilton Lagos Airport will have 350 guest-rooms, of which 72 are suites, an executive floor and multiple food and beverage outlets, including; a restaurant serving international cuisine; a specialty restaurant; a fashionable rooftop cocktail bar; and a hip night club. The hotel will also feature a spa and fitness centre.

“Hilton Lagos Airport will further solidify our presence in Nigeria and be a great asset to our Hilton Hotels and Resorts properties trading or under development in Africa,” said Jim Holthouser, executive vice president, global brands, Hilton. “We have great confidence in this growing market and are proud to be pioneering exemplary guest experiences across the continent with our range of Hilton brands.”

Hilton hopes to more than double its presence in Africa in the next three to five years to more than 80 hotels and is focused on further development prospects across the continent, entering new countries while also growing in areas with an existing Hilton presence.