The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) unveiled its first commercial Railway Guest House, a 40-bed hotel at its Ebute-Meta station in Lagos, on Wednesday.
Timothy Zalanga, Managing Director, Railway Property, stated at the opening that the hotel was fully equipped with functional service facilities that provide all visitors’ comfort, safety, and relaxation.
He said that the initiative signaled the start of a new business strategy centered on property development rather than land-leasing, which he claimed limited the company’s revenue potential.
“This project demonstrates that, given the current regime’s focus on railway development, much more can be done in the general public interest,” he stated.
According to Zalanga, 60% of the building expenditures were covered by the replacement costs of some of the NRC structures that were demolished to make room for the new Lagos – Ibadan standard gauge line that connects Apapa and Lagos.
The remaining 40% was covered by Railways Property, according to the official, who thanked Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, for his generous approval to cycle the assets.
The corporation’s Managing Director, stated that the guest house would be maintained by Ojez Group, a well-known hospitality and lifestyle company.
According to Okhiria, approximately 30 companies applied for the role of managing the guest house, with Ojez Groups being chosen.
With the construction of the edifice, NRC Board Chairman Alhaji Ibrahim Alhassan, said the corporation was looking forward to improving employee welfare.
“If we can build this kind of structure that would bring in some revenue, it would help to improve the welfare of NRC employees,” he stated.
“I hope the management of this guest home will properly utilize this structure, and I hope that you will adhere to the established ethics standards for the benefit of all employees.”
He urged Ojez Group, the guest house’s manager, to work along with NRC to entice standard gauge railway travelers to make it their first choice.
Mr. Joseph Odobeatu, Managing Director of the Ojez Group, also committed to assisting the company in revitalizing the facilities in order to bring refreshing feelings to recreation.
President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Transportation, as well as the NRC board and management, were all praised by Odobeatu for revolutionizing Nigerian railway transportation.
Working closely with the Nigerian Police Railways Command, private security, and the hotel’s internal security staff, he assured that the hotel’s security would not be jeopardized.
Odobeatu claimed that Ojez had enlightened the hotel atmosphere, making it more appealing to the public and providing them with a reason to be a part of the project.
