The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has signed an International Management Agreement (IMA) with Radisson Hospitality Belgium and Edison Hotel and Property Development Company for the operation of a 204-room hotel and conference centre developed beside the Nigerian Content Tower in Swali, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The agreement was executed on Monday in Durban, South Africa, by the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe; the Executive Chairman of Edison Corporation, Vivian Reedy; and Director of Radisson, Erwan Garnier.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ogbe disclosed that negotiations and compliance processes for the agreement spanned more than two years, involving extensive reviews and regulatory clearances. He noted that the Board secured approvals from key government stakeholders, including the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN.
“Their support ensured the agreement aligns fully with Nigeria’s legal and regulatory standards,” he said.
According to him, the Board’s vision is to deliver a world-class hospitality facility in Yenagoa that will serve stakeholders in the oil and gas industry as well as the wider public.
Ogbe reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to completing the project on schedule, with plans to open the facility in December.
“We recognise the responsibilities ahead—from construction quality and funding to safety, security, and meeting Radisson’s global standards. We are committed to delivering on these obligations,” he said.
He also urged Radisson Hospitality to deploy its global expertise, systems, and brand strength to ensure the facility provides exceptional service and guest experience.
The NCDMB boss expressed confidence that the partnership with Edison Hotels would produce a landmark facility capable of supporting Bayelsa’s emergence as a major oil and gas hub.
“This project demonstrates NCDMB’s commitment to using strategic investments to boost productivity, attract investment, deepen local content, and expand opportunities for business and tourism in Nigeria,” he added.
“When completed, the Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre Yenagoa will stand not just as a hotel, but as a symbol of what strong partnerships can achieve.”
Executive Chairman of Edison Corporation, Vivian Reedy, described his organisation’s role as serving as a bridge between the owner and the operator, ensuring strong governance and alignment among all parties.
“A successful hotel is not just about the physical structure,” he said. “It requires disciplined management, transparent oversight, brand integrity, and a shared commitment to excellence.”
Reedy noted that Edison’s responsibility includes ensuring that the hotel is delivered, operated, and managed in a manner that protects the owner’s investment while enabling Radisson to achieve operational excellence.
Working closely with Radisson and the NCDMB team, he said, the Radisson Hotel and Conference Centre in Yenagoa is expected to become the leading hospitality and conference destination in Bayelsa State.
He added that the project could also serve as a catalyst for business growth and investment in the region while projecting international standards of professionalism and quality.
Reedy further highlighted Edison’s experience managing hospitality assets in partnership with Radisson in other locations, where some properties have achieved occupancy rates of up to 95 percent.
“Our approach is to strengthen governance, support performance, and ensure that the interests of the owners are always safeguarded,” he said.
He described the project as more than a hospitality venture.
“It represents a partnership, a trust, and a long-term vision for sustainable value creation. Edison is fully committed to ensuring that the asset performs strongly, operates efficiently, and delivers lasting value to its owner.”
Representing the Attorney-General of the Federation at the ceremony, Wada Ahmed Wada described the signing as a historic milestone and wished the parties success in their collaboration.
