According to Barbara Wey, Head of Hotel Licensing Directorate of the ministry, this offence violates sections four and nine of the hotel licensing directorate.

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The shut hotels, nightclubs and event centres are located in the Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Airport road and Ogba areas of Lagos.

She said: "Some of them refused to register their hospitality outfits and event centres after several notifications and contravention notices served by the state government since 2012."

She also said that all such establishments in Lagos must obey and observe all necessary protocols, "All defaulting tourism and hospitality operators are enjoined to comply with the registration process and pay all accrued dues to the state government.''

The affected establishments were sealed off during a three day inspection which started off on November 16, 2016.