…hails FCT Minister for driving infrastructural growth
By Gloria Ikibah
Chief Executive Officer of AIBEN Group, Chief Andrew Elerewa, has urged the government to continue providing an enabling environment for investors to thrive, as he said that the private sector has a key role in developing the industry. 
Chief Elerewa who stated this during the unveiling its new luxury facility, Bourdillon Hotel, in the Gwarinpa area of Abuja, on Monday, described the development as a significant milestone for both the company and the nation’s tourism industry.
He noted that the multi-billion naira project was conceived to redefine hospitality standards in the Federal Capital Territory while creating jobs and supporting economic diversification.
According to him, it embodies the company’s long-term confidence in Nigeria’s tourism and real estate sectors. The initiative, according to him, underscores the private sector’s vital contribution to national growth and aligns with the federal government’s vision to boost non-oil revenue streams
AIBEN Group has expanded its investment footprint in Nigeria’s hospitality sector with the unveiling of its new premium establishment, the Bourdillon Hotel, located in Gwarinpa, Abuja.
He said: “I feel very elated, highly excited, and deeply fulfilled. Going through the process of building and eventually seeing it come to reality, I’m very thankful to God. A lot happened along the way, but we’re happy to finally have something that can serve the people, deliver quality service to the Gwarinpa community, and by extension, contribute to our nation’s development.
“The tourism industry in Nigeria has a lot of potential, and taking a step like this is one of the ways to build infrastructure that will help harness that potential. We believe the industry has come of age, and facilities like this will help to boost government revenue and increase our Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”
He stated that the facility has already created employment opportunities and will continue to generate revenue for the government through taxation and other channels.
“Government’s role is to provide the right environment, while investors bring in the funds to build infrastructure that can strengthen the sector.
“Whether we like it or not, tourism is a money-spinning industry, and Nigeria must begin to believe in it. Many countries without natural resources make huge income from tourism alone.
“You have to first believe in your country. This project has already generated a lot of employment. We’ve completed three similar projects, and each one creates hundreds of jobs. Government also benefits through taxes, which is how the economy grows”, he added.
Elerewa, who described tax as an essential part of business, advised entrepreneurs to operate legitimately and take advantage of government incentives.
“Tax is part of business. As a legitimate business owner, you shouldn’t run away from it. Government has also provided incentives that can ease the tax burden on investors. If you stay on the right course, do what’s right, and grow with the system, it will ultimately be beneficial to everyone”, he added.
Also speaking at the event, former Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and father of the CEO, Timothy Elerewa, described the edifice as a landmark achievement for the family and a contribution to Nigeria’s economy.
He also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his ongoing efforts to upgrade infrastructure in Abuja, noting that improved roads and utilities have continued to attract investors to the city’s fast-growing hospitality landscape.
“Twenty years ago, I didn’t see this day coming. The edifice is of international standard, and I’m so proud of my son’s contribution to the economy.
“With over 600 staff across his hotels, he’s helping the government to create jobs because he understands that government alone cannot do everything”, he said.
Project Manager, Ajayi Simeon, said the hotel was conceived to set a new standard in luxury and service.
He said the facility was built with a vision to create something classic, special, and different from what already exists.
“We benchmarked against the best, and what we have here can stand anywhere in the world. We also value our staff and pay above the minimum wage because we believe excellence must be rewarded”, he stated.
