How public-private partnerships can revitalise Nigeria’s hospitality industry, by Ogbeh

Adegbe Ogbeh is a Nigerian entrepreneur and public-sector hospitality expert with over 20 years of experience building and leading successful businesses. A trained lawyer, he combines legal insight with a passion for innovation and impact. He co-founded Blessmi, a fundraising platform that helps people access support for medical, educational, and personal needs, reflecting his commitment to community empowerment. As Managing Partner and Co-founder of Lounge One and Paper Hospitality, Adegbe has shown strong leadership and vision in Nigeria’s hospitality industry. In this exclusive interview with KENNETH ATHEKAME, he discusses how public-private partnerships can drive the revitalisation of Nigeria’s hospitality industry. He also shares insights on the sector’s current challenges, growth opportunities, and the key trends shaping its future. Excerpts:

You have over two decades of experience as an entrepreneur and public sector hospitality expert. How would you describe your journey so far in Nigeria’s dynamic business landscape?

It’s been great. Like any other business, we’ve certainly faced challenges, but overall, with my partners and our team, we’ve enjoyed founding, innovating, and continuing to operate in this space. As Nigerians, we naturally have a hospitable spirit, and our journey has been about building systems while learning from both our successes and mistakes. “Our journey has been about building systems and learning from both our successes and mistakes.”

As a trained lawyer turned hospitality leader, how has your legal background influenced your business approach and leadership style?

Absolutely. My legal training plays a key role, especially in managing partnerships, which are at the heart of hospitality. Getting the details right builds comfort and trust, which are essential to lasting relationships.

What inspired your foray into hospitality and business development, particularly with ventures like Lounge One and Paper Hospitality?

Interestingly, Lounge One was almost accidental. I’ve always been interested in public sector hospitality, essentially the intersection between people-facing services and the public. My friend Obinna mentioned an opportunity at the Abuja domestic airport, and the rest is history. We’ve since expanded beyond lounges to operate pharmacies in three international airports. Paper Hospitality was born out of a desire to test private sector hospitality. Having travelled extensively, I knew we could create something in Abuja we’d be proud of, while also offering something extra to the city. “Lounge One started almost by accident, but Paper Hospitality was a deliberate step into private sector innovation.”

What’s your assessment of Nigeria’s hospitality industry and the key trends emerging?

I believe the numbers are realistic because the private sector is driving the narrative, and social media is showcasing Nigeria to the world. The weaker naira makes the country more attractive to foreign tourists, and domestic tourism benefits as Nigerians cut back on international travel. These factors make the projections feasible though we should reassess by 2030. “Private sector innovation and social media are key drivers of Nigeria’s hospitality growth.” How has the economic environment in Nigeria impacted the hospitality sector from investment to consumer behavior? Investment has remained steady, but consumers have certainly reduced discretionary spending. Much of the sector’s investment is driven by confidence in a recovery from 2026, with businesses positioning themselves for that rebound. “Investors are betting on a strong recovery from 2026.”

What key challenges do hospitality entrepreneurs face in Nigeria today, and how have you navigated them in your own ventures?

The main challenges are power, high rent, reduced discretionary spending, and staff quality all of which have been intensified by recent reforms. Inflation has impacted every aspect of hospitality, but with adjustments and resilience, we believe we’ll continue to grow. “Inflation has impacted every aspect of hospitality.”

Tourism and hospitality are often touted as potential growth sectors for Nigeria. In your view, what policy or infrastructural changes are needed to unlock that potential?

The sector offers strong opportunities for semi-skilled labour, and Nigeria has the cultural and social energy to grow exponentially. The main needs are stronger legal frameworks to protect investors and owners, along with improved security. Beyond that, the sector should remain lightly regulated, with the current ease of entry preserved. “Nigeria has the cultural and social energy to grow exponentially.”

Given your experience, what role do you think public-private partnerships can play in revitalizing the hospitality industry?

This is an excellent opportunity for government and private players to partner in delivering public-facing services from driver’s licences to passports, building approvals, and permits. Public-private partnerships can improve service quality, increase efficiency, and generate more revenue. “Public-private partnerships can raise service quality and revenue.”

You co-founded Blessmi, a fundraising app focused on social needs. What inspired this initiative, and how has the response been so far?

My partner and I have previously worked in the soft tech consumer space, from the days of BlackBerry to Samsung. We created Blessmi as an accessible alternative to international fundraising platforms, which Nigerians often can’t use. The response has been positive, with notable successes, especially in medical fundraising. “Blessmi fills a gap left by international fundraising platforms.”

In a developing economy like Nigeria, how important is it for entrepreneurs to build ventures that serve both commercial and social purposes?

The first and most important priority for any business should be to generate revenue and, ideally, profit. A healthy business is better positioned to support social causes. Otherwise, you should be clear that you’re operating an NGO or charity. “A healthy business is better positioned to support social causes.”

How do you balance running hospitality businesses with leading a tech-for-good platform like Blessmi?

Partnerships. I’ve been fortunate to have excellent partners and co-founders in all my ventures — and I intend to keep it that way for future ones. “Strong partnerships make balance possible.”

What are some leadership lessons you’ve learned managing diverse ventures in an often unpredictable business environment?

Accounting is the second most important factor after choosing your business model. Many businesses fail due to poor accounting — a hard lesson I’ve learned personally. I’m also a big believer in partnerships; finding and nurturing the right ones is vital, both personally and professionally. “Poor accounting is a silent business killer.”

How do you approach talent development and retention in the hospitality sector?

It’s largely trial and error. Interviews and CVs help, but the real test is performance on the job. Over time, with vigilance, you build a core team that reflects your values and supports the business. “The true talent test happens on the job.”

In terms of scaling hospitality ventures in Nigeria, what strategies have worked best for you?

Scaling in Nigeria is challenging because it requires significant physical presence. However, having strong partners allows our business to stand on multiple legs, enabling steady — if gradual — growth. “Scaling is slow, but strong partners make it possible.”

Where do you see Paper Hospitality and Lounge One in the next five years?

Paper Hospitality will be in at least two other African locations, and Lounge One will operate in at least four new airports, including one international location. “We’re aiming for new African markets and more airports.”

Do you plan to expand your social impact work through Blessmi or launch other community-focused ventures?

Absolutely. The scale of need and poverty in Nigeria means we must all do our part to help, no matter how big or small. We are each other’s keepers, and social work is a critical part of our existence. “We are each other’s keepers.”

What advice would you give to young Nigerians looking to build sustainable businesses in the hospitality space?

Get an accountant — or borrow one. No matter how great your idea, without proper accounting you cannot grow or position your business effectively. No matter your idea, without accounting you can’t grow.