Leading hospitality brand, The Jagz HotelThe Jagz Hotel, has unveiled ambitious plans to expand across Africa, citing growing opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a key driver of its long-term growth strategy.
The hotel also announced the appointment of Mr. Jonathan Odia as its new General Manager and unveiled plans for the 2026 Jagz Hospitality Conference.
Speaking during a media briefing in Ibadan on Monday, the Managing Director of The Jagz, Mr. Lugard Agbomoagan, said the hotel is positioning itself as an emerging African hospitality brand with a continental outlook aimed at serving the evolving needs of business and leisure travellers across the continent.
According to him, Africa’s increasing economic integration, cross-border trade and investment opportunities present significant prospects for the hospitality industry.
“The Jagz is positioning itself as an emerging African hospitality brand with a long-term continental outlook. As Africa continues to experience increased trade, cross-border business engagement and investment opportunities under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, we believe hospitality brands must evolve to serve a new generation of African and international travellers,” he said.
Agbomoagan noted that the company’s expansion strategy reflects confidence in the future of African hospitality and tourism as globally competitive sectors.
He disclosed that The Jagz is currently pursuing expansion plans that include additional rooms, improved guest facilities, upgraded infrastructure and a planned expansion to Abuja.
According to him, the move is designed to position the hotel as a leading hospitality destination capable of hosting premium events, major conferences and world-class experiences.
“This expansion reflects our confidence in the future of hospitality, tourism, business mobility and regional economic integration across Africa,” he added.
The Managing Director explained that since commencing operations about 20 months ago, The Jagz has recorded steady growth in occupancy rates, expanded its corporate clientele base and strengthened its reputation within and beyond Nigeria.
He said the vision of the hotel from inception was to create a hospitality experience that combines luxury with authentic African culture and values.
Agbomoagan stressed that the hospitality industry would play a critical role in supporting increased business travel and investment flows expected under AfCFTA, adding that African-owned brands must position themselves to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
“We are not just building a hotel; we are building a hospitality institution in Africa. For us, growth is not just about getting bigger; it is about becoming better and more impactful,” he said.
The Jagz also announced plans to host the second edition of the Jagz Hospitality Conference in 2026. The conference, themed “Electioneering and Hotels in Nigeria,” will bring together policymakers, investors, hospitality operators and industry leaders to discuss the future of the sector. Expected speakers include the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, and other key stakeholders.
Also speaking, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Wasiu Olatubosun, commended The Jagz for its commitment to excellence and contribution to the development of tourism and hospitality in Oyo State.
“The Jagz’s entry into Oyo State has not only changed the narrative but has also set the pace for other hospitality brands operating in the state. What stands the hotel out is not only the quality of its services but also its responsiveness whenever the government seeks collaboration,” he said.
Olatubosun described the appointment of Odia as a positive development that would further enhance the hotel’s reputation and competitiveness within the hospitality industry.
In his response, Odia expressed gratitude to the management for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to build on the hotel’s achievements through improved service delivery, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
“I am committed to ensuring that The Jagz continues to set standards in the hospitality industry. We will focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences, strengthening customer relationships and positioning the brand for greater heights,” he said.
Prior to his appointment, Odia served as Assistant General Manager at Marriott Hotels, where he played key roles in improving operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
