- Seek State Govt Intervention
The Kwara State Hotel Owners Association has appealed to the state government to address the issue of multiple taxation, improve electricity supply, and adopt an open-door policy to support the growth of the hospitality sector.
The appeal was made on Thursday, October 23, 2025, during a press conference held at Fresh Hotel, Ilorin, the state capital.
Speaking at the event, the President of the Association, Engr. Amos Ajanaku, said the burden of multiple taxation and poor power supply were among the major challenges confronting hotel operators in the state.
He urged the government to emulate neighbouring states such as Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo, which have taken independent measures to generate and control power within their jurisdictions.
“Other states like Lagos, Oyo,Ogun control power themselves. “Hospitality needs power. How do we make profit when we burn diesel 24 hours and they still want us to perform brilliantly in our tax?” he lamented.
Ajanaku also appealed to the state government to explore ways of improving air transport between Ilorin and Abuja, noting that the current cost of flight, estimated at about ₦300,000, was discouraging both tourism and business travel.
“Issue of transport by air between Kwara State to Abuja. It will serve as recreation to the state. We appeal to the state govt to look into it.”
“The price of a flight to Abuja is 300,000 to Abuja as at yesterday. I appeal to the state government to look into this area so that it can enhance in the tourism,” he added.
He further called for the restoration of pipe-borne water across the state, lamenting that most hotels rely solely on boreholes to provide water for their operations. “Some hotels even supply water to their neighbours, yet they still bring water rate bills to us,” he said humorously.
“Pipeborne water. I want the government to look at it critically. All the hotels use boreholes, we have some hotels that give water to neighbours within their environment.”
“A few months ago they came to do the water rate. I joked and said they are supposed to pay me.”
While commending the state government for ongoing road rehabilitation efforts within Ilorin metropolis, the association president urged more attention to other pressing issues affecting the hospitality industry.
“They are trying with the road connection and we appreciate the government on that but we want the state government to do something in the other aspects,” he added.
The hoteliers stressed that addressing these challenges would not only boost tourism and attract investors but also enhance the overall hospitality experience in Kwara State.