By Usman Aliyu
Edo government on Wednesday inspected the Radisson Hotel and directed contractors handling the project to adhere strictly to safety, quality, and environmental standards.
The Deputy Governor, Mr Dennis Idahosa, gave the charge during an inspection tour of the five-storey luxury hotel in Benin.
The deputy governor, who inspected the water reservoir, power plant, and sample rooms, described the project as a potential game-changer for the state’s tourism and hospitality sector when completed.
He, however, expressed dismay over lapses observed during the inspection and cautioned that the government would not tolerate negligence that could lead to accidents or compromise.
“We will not compromise on standards. Radisson Benin must meet the expectations of the brand and the people of Edo State.
“Our goal is simple, Edo State deserves the best. We want a facility that will attract visitors from across the world and make our state the hospitality hub of Nigeria,” he said.
He noted that the administration of Gov. Monday Okpebholo was committed to ensuring that the project met Radisson’s global benchmarks and the state’s quality assurance standards.
He assured that government agencies would maintain close oversight to guarantee compliance with building, safety, and environmental regulations.
Raising concerns about documentation and project transparency, Idahosa said he was unsatisfied with the clarity surrounding the hotel’s acquisition process and vendor contracts.
“Edo people deserve transparency. The governor has already forwarded relevant documents to the Edo State House of Assembly for investigation into the project’s acquisition.
“Once the House concludes its findings, we will act accordingly to ensure accountability,” he said.
Idahosa also demanded precise information on when the investment would start yielding results.
Mr Igabali Imoesili, Managing Director of the state Development and Building Control Agency, flagged inconsistencies in the project’s documentation, including conflicting figures on the number of rooms.
“We have records indicating 170 rooms, the site engineer says 169, and the project manager says 178.
“These discrepancies raise serious concerns,” Imoesili noted, adding that his agency would demand all approved plans for verification.
Responding, the project’s resident architect, Mr Olumide Taiwo, assured the delegation that the contractors were working closely with Radisson’s global team to ensure full compliance with brand standards and safety protocols. (NAN)
