1
Torkwase Nyiekaa
Nigeria’s hospitality industry received a major boost with the official unveiling of Bourdillon Hotel and Apartments, a modern luxury facility designed to promote tourism, create jobs, and redefine comfort in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Located in Gwarinpa Abuja, the new hotel, an initiative of AIBEN Group, is being hailed as a model of how private sector investment can drive economic growth and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a top destination for business and leisure.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Chief Andy Elerewe, Chairman of AIBEN Group, described the project as the fulfillment of a long-held dream to transform Nigeria’s hospitality space through quality, innovation, and visionary leadership.
“Seeing this magnificent structure come to life brings me immense joy,” Elerewe said. “Bourdillon Hotel is more than a business project; it’s our contribution to the growth of Nigeria’s economy and a testament to our faith in the country’s potential.”
Elerewe, who also serves as the Managing Director/CEO of Urban Group of Companies, emphasized that the hotel was conceived not merely for profit, but as part of a broader vision to inspire confidence in Nigeria’s economic prospects.
“Tourism remains one of the most lucrative industries globally,” he noted. “Facilities like this create employment, attract foreign exchange, and increase government revenue. We encourage more investors to explore this promising sector.”
He also called on government authorities to sustain business-friendly policies that encourage investment and ensure economic stability.
“Taxation is a necessary part of enterprise,” he added. “What entrepreneurs need most is a predictable and enabling environment where businesses can thrive sustainably.”
The General Manager, Mr. Simeon Ajayi, said the hotel was built to set new standards for elegance and service excellence in Nigeria’s hospitality industry.
“We aimed to deliver something timeless, sophisticated, and truly exceptional,” Ajayi stated. “Every aspect of this facility, from its architecture to guest experience, was crafted with utmost care. We want every visitor to leave with a lasting impression.”
He added that the hotel already employs a significant number of Nigerians and offers salaries above the national minimum wage as part of its employee-first policy.
“We believe that happy staff make happy guests,” he said. “With continued government support for investors, projects like this will further reduce unemployment and energize the tourism sector.”
Architecturally, Bourdillon Hotel combines modern design with African elegance, featuring luxurious suites, fine dining, a suspended swimming pool, and state-of-the-art conference facilities.
The project’s architect, Mr. Hassan Jaffar, described the suspended pool as one of the building’s most innovative features.
“Designing a suspended pool required advanced engineering and creativity,” he said. “It’s a unique highlight that gives the building both artistic and functional appeal.”
The unveiling was especially emotional for Mr. Timothy Elerewe, former Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and father of the AIBEN Group Chairman.
“Two decades ago, I never imagined witnessing this achievement,” he said proudly. “This project is not only a family milestone but also a contribution to Nigeria’s progress.”
Guests at the event, including business leaders, policymakers, and tourism stakeholders, commended the development as a timely addition to Abuja’s skyline and a reflection of growing investor confidence.
With the unveiling of Bourdillon Hotel and Apartments, Abuja’s hospitality industry continues its steady rise, reinforcing the city’s image as a destination of luxury, enterprise, and opportunity.
