Abia Government Urges Hotels to Meet Safety, Hygiene Standards

The Abia State Government has warned hotel operators and other hospitality facilities to maintain high standards of security, hygiene, and equipment, ensuring that guests and visitors are not exposed to unsafe or unsanitary conditions.

Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mathew Ekwuribe, said any hotel found to fall below the accepted standards would be required to upgrade its facilities. He added that the state’s new classification policy for hotels is free of charge.

Ekwuribe also disclosed that the upgrading of the National War Museum and Ojukwu Bunker in Umuahia has been approved by Governor Alex Otti, pending final clearance from the Federal Government.

Speaking to hotel operators, a representative of Amena Technology, Edosa Eghobamien, which partners with the state government in the classification scheme, urged owners not to employ untrained personnel or staff without registered addresses. He noted that the safety of guests could be compromised if hotels are managed by unqualified staff or operate in unhealthy conditions.

Eghobamien reassured operators that they need not fear the classification exercise, emphasizing that no fees would be collected during government inspections.

The initiative is part of Abia State’s broader effort to improve service standards, protect visitors, and boost the hospitality sector’s reputation.