NCDMB, Radisson, Edison Sign Hotel Management Deal for Yenagoa Project

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has signed an international management agreement for its 204-room hotel and conference centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, in a move it said will strengthen business and investment activity in the Niger Delta.

The agreement, signed in Durban, South Africa, brings together NCDMB, Radisson Hospitality Belgium, and Edison Hotel and Property Development Company. The facility is being developed beside the Nigerian Content Tower in Swali, Yenagoa.

NCDMB Executive Secretary Felix Omatsola Ogbe said the deal followed more than two years of discussions, document reviews, and compliance checks. He said the process also received approvals from key government stakeholders, including the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN.

“Their support ensured that the Agreement meets Nigeria’s legal and regulatory standards,” he said.

Mr Ogbe said the board’s goal is to deliver a world-class hospitality facility with a fully equipped conference centre that can serve oil and gas stakeholders and the wider public. He added that NCDMB is working to complete the project on schedule and open in December.

“We appreciate our responsibilities—construction quality, pre-opening readiness, funding, safety and security compliance, and maintaining Radisson’s global standard. We will do our best to meet our obligations,” he said.

He also said Radisson is expected to bring global operating systems, brand strength, and technical experience to support service delivery and guest satisfaction at the finished property.

According to him, the partnership is intended to improve Bayelsa State’s standing as an oil and gas hub while expanding local opportunities linked to meetings, tourism, and related services.

“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.
“When completed, the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Yenagoa will stand not only as a hotel, but also as a symbol of what strong partnerships can achieve,” he said.

Edison Corporation Executive Chairman Vivian Reedy said his company will serve as the bridge between the owner and the operator, with a focus on alignment, accountability, 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,” he said.

He added that Edison’s role includes helping ensure the project is delivered and operated in a way that protects the owner’s investment while supporting Radisson’s operating targets.

Mr Reedy said the Yenagoa property is expected to become a leading hospitality and conference destination in Bayelsa, noting Edison’s prior partnerships with Radisson in other locations, where he said occupancy had reached 95 per cent.

He described the project as a long-term partnership built on trust and value creation, adding that Edison remains committed to efficient operations and sustained returns for the asset owner.

At the signing ceremony, Wada Ahmed Wada, representing the Attorney-General of the Federation, described the event as historic and wished all parties success in the implementation phase.

The project partners said implementation will now focus on operational planning, governance controls, and readiness milestones ahead of opening.