… as Edison signs management deal
Oredola Adeola
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB ’s 204-room hotel in Swali, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State is scheduled to open in December 2026 under the Radisson brand following the signing of an international management agreement (IMA) involving Radisson Hotel Group and Edison.
The management agreement was signed on Monday, in Durban, South Africa by Engr. Felix Ogbe, Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr. Vivian Reedy, Executive Chairman of Edison Corporation, and Mr. Garnier Erwan, Director of Radisson.
The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, confirmed that discussions, reviews, and compliance requirements had lasted over two years, and the agency secured the approval of all key stakeholders, including Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
“Their support ensured that the Agreement meets Nigeria’s legal and regulatory standards,” he said.
The aspiration, he added, is to deliver a world‑class hotel in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State with a fully equipped conference centre designed to serve the oil and gas industry stakeholders and the Nigerian public.
He pledged NCDMB’s commitment to completing the hotel on schedule and achieving the opening 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 charged Radisson Hospitality to bring its expertise, systems, and brand strength to deliver a hotel that offers excellent service and guest experience.
He expressed hope that the partnership with Edison Hotels will create a facility that reflects global quality and supports Bayelsa’s position as an oil and gas hub.
He added that “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.”
Mr. Vivian Reedy, Executive Chairman of Edison Corporation, described his organisation’s role as a bridge between the owner and the operator, highlighting the group’s intensive experience in the hotel industry, and determination to ensure alignment, transparency, accountability and performance.
“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 emphasized.
Part of the group’s responsibility is to ensure that the hotel is delivered, operated, and managed in a manner that protects and announces the owner’s investment, while fully supporting Radisson in achieving operational excellence, he added.
The Executive Chairman assured that working closely with Radisson and NCDMB’s team, the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, Yenagoa will become the leading hospitality and conference destination in Bayelsa State, a catalyst for business and investment, and a symbol of quality professionalism and international standards.
He reported that the firm has had wonderful successes with Radisson in other locations, even achieving 95% occupancies.
“Our approach is to strengthen governance, support performance, and ensure the interests of the owners are always safeguarded.”
He said “this project represents more than a hotel. It represents a partnership, a trust, and a long-term vision for sustainable value creation. We thank Radisson for its global expertise and operational excellence.
“Edison is fully committed to ensuring that the asset performs strongly, operates efficiently, and delivers lasting value to its owner.”
Mr. Wada Ahmed Wada who represented the Attorney‑General of the Federation described the signing ceremony as historic and wished the parties success in their business relationship.
