Exploring The Heart of Nigerian Hospitality: A Conversation with The General Manager of Great Ville Hotels, Lagos
As someone who has dedicated over 12 years to the hospitality industry in Italy, my recent three-day visit to Nigeria was a profoundly insightful experience. My work involved countless interviews, so it felt only natural to sit down with Jackson Eje, the General Manager of the hotel where I was staying in Surulere, Lagos.
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The conversation was also particularly relevant for our ongoing project, “SANKOFA: Retracing My African Roots”, an initiative designed to reconnect the African diaspora with their heritage through immersive, culture-rich experiences that honor our ancestral legacy.
Anchored by a free webinar series every 14 days, Sankofa is more than a travel project; it’s a movement to honor Africa’s diverse legacies, foster deep connections, and guide diasporans on a transformative journey back to their cultural heritage.
See also How Traveling to Africa Can Help Diasporans Reclaim Their Ancestral Identity
What follows is a compelling look into the resilience, growth, and future of hospitality in Lagos.
From Humble Beginnings to a True Pillar in Surulere
My conversation began with the story of Great Ville Hotels. Mr. Eje explained that the branch, located at 36/38 Nathan Street, off Ojuelegba Road, Surulere, Lagos, is one of two.
This particular location officially opened its doors on September 1st, 2020, in the midst of significant challenges. “The roads were bad at that time,” he recalled, but with government intervention and a smart social media strategy, the hotel overcame its initial hurdles. “It’s been from one glory to another,” he added with a smile.
One of the most impressive aspects of Great Ville is its diverse clientele. While based in Lagos, its guest list is anything but local. “Our customer base is not basically Lagos alone,” Mr. Eje stated. “I can tell you it’s all over the world.”
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The hotel regularly welcomes guests from across Europe, Nigerian expatriates returning home, and walk-in visitors. It has also become a hub for corporate and institutional events, with many Nigerian institutes choosing its facilities for training sessions and seminars.
It’s important to add that for Africans in the diaspora visiting Nigeria for the first time, often on a deeply personal journey like the SANKOFA project, quality hotels are critically essential.
They serve as a secure and comfortable “soft landing” in a new and sometimes overwhelming environment. A reliable hotel provides a safe base from which to explore, easing anxieties about security and logistics. It acts as a vital bridge, offering familiar international standards of comfort and service while allowing the visitor to acclimate to the local culture at their own pace.
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This secure foundation is essential, as it allows them to focus on the primary purpose of their visit, reconnecting with their heritage, transforming a potentially stressful trip into a meaningful and positive pilgrimage.
Comfort, Class, and Comprehensive Amenities
Great Ville is well-equipped to handle its international and local guests. The Surulere branch boasts 47 rooms categorized to meet various needs:
- Standard Rooms (13)
- Classic Rooms (26)
- Deluxe Rooms (6)
- Twin Executive Rooms
Beyond accommodation, the hotel offers a suite of top-tier facilities. This includes a large hall capable of hosting 200 people for weddings and seminars, a smaller conference room for up to 20 people perfect for board meetings, a sparkling swimming pool, and an in-house gym.
A key benefit for guests is that a room booking includes complimentary breakfast and full access to both the pool and the gym.
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For those in the diaspora planning a trip, booking is straightforward. The hotel is listed on its own website, Greatvillehotel.com, as well as on major platforms like Hotel.ng, Booking.com, and Expedia.
A Vision for Expansion
The ambition of the Great Ville brand is clear. The first branch’s success has already fueled significant growth. A second, even larger branch is now open at 26 Elizabeth Street.
But the vision extends further. “We are hoping that the third branch, which is coming up soon near the Dangote refinery, will come on board,” Mr. Eje revealed. This new location, projected to open by the end of next year, will feature over 100 rooms, marking a major expansion for the company.
An Insider’s View on Nigerian Tourism
A forecast from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals a decade of powerful expansion for Nigeria’s Travel & Tourism sector.
According to the council’s Economic Impact Report, the industry is projected to create 2.6 million new jobs, doubling its workforce to over 5.1 million by 2032. This growth results from an average of nearly 260,000 new jobs being added each year.
As Danny Kioupouroglou of Eko Hotels noted during a conference, “tourism accounts for one in five jobs in Greece. In Nigeria, it is fewer than one in twenty, and with comparable coastal beauty, rich history, and cultural diversity, Nigeria’s untapped potential is staggering”.
Coming back to the General Manager of Greatville Hotels, Mr. Eje, he sees the Nigerian hospitality and tourism sector as one of the fastest-growing industries in the country, attracting investors from real estate and other sectors.
However, he was candid about the challenges, pointing specifically to taxation. He called for more business-friendly government policies to help owners thrive.
His final word was one of encouragement. “If you have money to invest in the hospitality industry, please do not hesitate to do so,” he advised, calling it a lucrative business.
He also offered a crucial piece of wisdom for prospective investors to be meticulous about recruitment and always prioritize staff welfare, as they are the foundation of success.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the story of Great Ville Hotels is a reflection of a larger Nigerian story: one of resilience, ambition, and a readiness to welcome its global family home.
For anyone in the diaspora considering a journey of reconnection, the message from the ground is clear. The infrastructure of welcome is not just being built; it’s thriving, professionally managed, and waiting to be the foundation for your own journey of discovery.
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