The Oyo State government, in line with Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to expanding the state’s economy through tourism and hospitality, has announced its readiness to clamp down on illegal and unregistered hotels and hospitality businesses.
Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, made this known during a press conference held at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Wednesday, February 26.
According to a statement by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the ministry will collaborate with registered hospitality business owners, including hoteliers and security agencies, to rid the state of illegal hospitality establishments and unregistered tour agencies.
Olatunbosun explained that the effort is aimed at increasing the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) and addressing crimes linked to the tourism and hospitality sector. He noted that Oyo State has witnessed a significant influx of businesses due to Governor Makinde’s infrastructure development and security reforms, adding that the government will not allow certain individuals to exploit the system.
He announced that the clampdown will commence in a week, starting with public awareness and sensitization across all geopolitical zones of the state. This will be followed by strict enforcement, with serious penalties for defaulters.
“At the start of Governor Makinde’s second term, it was clearly stated that the state’s economy would be driven by tourism for sustainable development,” Olatunbosun said. “This was made possible by the infrastructure and facilities provided during Omituntun 1.0, which laid a solid foundation for accelerated growth. The roads we have constructed to link key tourism corridors, as well as dualized and rehabilitated inter-town and intra-town roads, have all contributed to the growth of the sector.”
The commissioner also highlighted improvements in security, noting that security agencies have been well-funded, with patrol vans procured and recruitment into the Oyo State Amotekun Corps expanded. These efforts, he said, have made Oyo one of the safest and most peaceful states in Nigeria, fostering an environment where tourism and nightlife can thrive.
He emphasized that under Governor Makinde’s leadership, night businesses in the state have been revived through the Light-Up Oyo project, a development that has significantly boosted commercial activities after dark.
“Nobody wants to visit a place that is unsafe, but today, Oyo State is rated among the most peaceful states in Nigeria. The state government has also adopted strategies to attract visitors, including hosting major festivals and cultural events such as the Iyake Festival in Ado Awaye, the World Twins Festival in Igbo-Ora, the World Sango Festival in Oyo, and the Ogbomoso Carnival,” he added.
The commissioner cited a survey conducted by the Ministries of Culture, Budget and Planning, and the Management Information Sector, which revealed a high demand for hotel accommodations in Oyo State, particularly from Thursday evenings to Monday mornings. The survey also indicated a sharp increase in the number of nightclubs, event centers, and other hospitality businesses.
Olatunbosun stressed that capturing unregistered establishments in the state’s tax system would boost revenue generation while ensuring a safer and more regulated hospitality industry. He stated that the Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in collaboration with the Hoteliers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, has finalized plans for a sensitization and awareness campaign targeted at nightclubs, event centers, and other hospitality businesses across the state.
“The Hoteliers Association has expressed its willingness to work with us to restore order in the sector. Their commitment is commendable, and we appreciate their support in aligning with the state’s vision,” he said.
He further noted that persistent tax evasion and the failure of hospitality establishments to provide accurate data have hindered government planning and compromised security operations due to a lack of adequate information.
Also speaking at the press conference, Otunba Ayodele Ogundele, Chairman of the Hoteliers Association in Oyo State, urged hotel owners to cooperate with the government to enhance safety within the hospitality sector. He emphasized that improved data collection and adherence to professional standards would ensure proper verification and accountability for all guests.
