FENRAD lauds Otti, urges transparency in Enyimba hotels redevelopment deal

Nkem Ukaegbu, Umuahia

Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD Nigeria) has called for transparency and public disclosure surrounding the ongoing redevelopment of the Enyimba International Hotel, Aba, a flagship hospitality project which has been projected by the Abia State Government as a major catalyst for tourism, job creation, and economic rejuvenation in the state.

While FENRAD commends the State Government for taking steps to revive the long-abandoned Enyimba Hotels and for attracting potential private partners, the Foundation insists that public accountability, due process, and transparency must be the pillars upon which such a multi-million-dollar public-private partnership (PPP) is built.

According to the Executive Director, FENRAD, Com. Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, following media reports and public commentary, including analysis by concerned stakeholders and citizens, FENRAD noted with concern several grey areas requiring urgent clarification.

The State Government had earlier announced a partnership with Radisson Blu for the reconstruction and management of the Enyimba Hotel. Recent reports, however, suggest the possible involvement of other firms or investors. There is currently no public record detailing the precise structure of this partnership, its tenure, or the financial obligations of each party.

Public information places the project cost between $25 million and $50 million, an unusually wide range that contradicts basic principles of public procurement and fiscal accountability. FENRAD calls on the State Government to publish the actual contract sum, the procurement method adopted, and the evaluation process that led to the selection of the contractor(s) or concessionaire(s).

FENRAD noted that no official copy or summary of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or concession agreement has been made public. Citizens have a right to know the duration, management structure, equity participation, and revenue-sharing formula for the project, in line with open governance principles.

FENRAD observed that the hotel redevelopment appears to be progressing separately from the proposed International Conference Centre (ICC), raising questions about whether both are integrated under one contract or treated as distinct capital projects. This fragmentation, if not transparently managed, could complicate project monitoring and fiscal accountability.

As an environmental rights advocacy body, FENRAD reminded the government and its partners that the redevelopment must comply with all Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) protocols, labour laws, and community engagement standards, particularly given the project’s location within Aba’s densely populated commercial axis.

FENRAD therefore calls on the Abia State Government to publish the full details of the Enyimba Hotel redevelopment contract, including cost, funding structure, and partnership terms.

Disclose the procurement process, stating clearly whether the project was competitively bid or single-sourced.

Clarify the role of all partners (including Radisson Blu, Landmark Group, or any local investors), and specify their respective equity stakes or management responsibilities.

Provide periodic progress reports to the public and civil society organizations on milestones achieved, expenditures made, and timelines for completion.

Ensure environmental compliance, transparent land acquisition processes, and local content participation to guarantee that Abians truly benefit from the redevelopment.

The Enyimba Hotel represents more than a physical structure; it is a symbol of Aba’s commercial heritage and the promise of renewed investor confidence in Abia State.

FENRAD also believed that transparent governance, open contracting, and public engagement are indispensable to ensuring that this project serves the collective interest of Abians and does not become another opaque venture shrouded in secrecy.

As part of its civic oversight mandate, FENRAD will continue to engage relevant agencies, stakeholders, and development partners to ensure compliance with the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, Public Procurement Act, and Abia State Fiscal Responsibility Law.