By Desmond Ejibas
Port Harcourt – The Rivers Government has warned hoteliers within the state to begin documenting their guests as part of broader efforts to curb insecurity, particularly during the forthcoming Yuletide season.
Dr Israel Ngbuelo, the state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, gave the warning during a meeting with hotel operators in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
He said that criminals sometimes use hotels as hideouts to commit crime and stressed the importance of stopping this practice to uphold the integrity of the hotels.
“Documenting hotel guests is crucial, as one cannot identify a criminal or serial killer until they commit a crime. So, we must exercise caution.
“Accordingly, all hotels in the state are required to document their guests, even if the customer uses the facility multiple times a week, particularly during this Yuletide season.
“Hotels are instructed to record their guests and capture their ID cards each time they check in,” he explained.
Ngbuelo highlighted the critical role the hospitality industry plays in the state’s economy and assured the public of the government’s commitment to maintaining the high standards of hotels in the state.
He cautioned against any sharp practices or a quick money-making mentality that might compromise the industry’s integrity.
“There are more hotels in Rivers state than there are other companies, making the hospitality sector one of the biggest industries in the state.
“Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers is taking concrete steps towards making Rivers the industrial hub of the country.
“The governor views the hospitality industry as one of the key and cardinal sectors driving the state’s economy, and as such, we are counting on the support of hotel owners,” he added.
The commissioner emphasised that the era of crises and insecurity in the state had ended and urged those spreading false rumours of insecurity to desist from undermining the state’s reputation.
He stated that the false narrative of insecurity was being used by the state’s detractors to paint Rivers in a negative light.
“If Rivers state is de-marketed, it will significantly impact the hospitality industry, as people will be afraid to visit or conduct business here.
“Therefore, we ask hotel owners to refute this false narrative and assure people that Rivers state is conducive for business. The era of crises is over,” he concluded.
Mr Eugene Nwauzi, the branch Chairman of the Nigeria Hotels Association in Rivers, appealed to the state government to implement policies that would enhance the hospitality sector.
He called for the registrations of hotels, enforcement of standard practices, steady electricity supply, and other measures to ensure that hospitality business thrives in the state.
