The Federal Government has warned hotel owners and managers across Nigeria against allowing their facilities to be used for illegal activities, including the movement of illicit funds, as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, issued the warning while addressing the second edition of the JAGZ Hospitality Conference in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Fagbemi, who was represented by Fernandez Marcus-Obiene, Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Justice Sector Reform and ICT/Digital and Innovative Technology, said the hospitality industry had an important role to play in promoting security and peaceful elections.

The conference, themed “The Hotel at the Centre: Money, Elections, Security,” brought together government officials, security personnel, financial crime regulators and hospitality industry stakeholders to examine the responsibilities of hotel operators as the country approaches another election cycle.

Fagbemi urged hotel managers to strengthen their security arrangements, maintain accurate records of guests and cooperate with relevant authorities when legally required to provide information concerning individuals or groups using their facilities.

He stressed that hotels must not become channels for illicit financial transactions or provide cover for activities capable of undermining public security during the election period.

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The Attorney-General’s warning comes as political parties, campaign organisations and political interest groups increase their activities ahead of the 2027 polls. Hotels and event centres are expected to host political meetings, campaign teams, journalists, business representatives and security personnel.

The government therefore wants hospitality operators to ensure that their businesses comply with relevant laws and financial regulations while maintaining professional standards and political neutrality.

Fagbemi’s warning also reflects growing concerns about the possible use of commercial establishments to facilitate suspicious financial transactions during election campaigns.

At the conference, stakeholders emphasised the need for stronger cooperation between hotel operators, law enforcement agencies and financial regulators to identify and address suspicious activities without disrupting legitimate hospitality services.

The convener of the conference and Group Managing Director of Charis Ultimo Hotels Limited, Lugard Agbomoagan, said the hospitality sector had evolved beyond providing accommodation to become an important part of international tourism, foreign investment, cross-border business and financial transactions.

He argued that hotel operators needed a clearer understanding of their legal obligations when dealing with customers, political organisations and transactions involving substantial sums of money.

Agbomoagan stressed that the objective was not to portray hotels as centres of criminal activity but to encourage preparedness, professionalism and compliance.

He also urged hotel managers to review their security arrangements ahead of the election period rather than wait until incidents occurred.

As an example of security preparedness, Agbomoagan said The JAGZ Hotel operated a dedicated surveillance unit that monitored closed-circuit television footage around the clock to observe activities within the premises and respond to potential security concerns.

The conference also highlighted the importance of maintaining reliable guest records and ensuring that suspicious transactions are handled in accordance with applicable anti-money laundering requirements.

The warning follows an earlier directive by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) cautioning hotel and event-centre owners in Abuja against allowing their premises to be used by political organisations or factions whose leadership was not recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The FCTA had directed operators to verify the status of political groups seeking to use their facilities and maintain proper records of transactions. It warned that non-compliance could attract severe consequences, including the revocation of property title documents.

Although the FCTA directive applies specifically to the Federal Capital Territory, the latest comments by the Attorney-General underline the Federal Government’s broader concerns about election security, financial transparency and the responsibilities of businesses during the political season.

However, the warning does not mean that hotels are prohibited from accommodating politicians or hosting lawful political meetings. Rather, operators are being urged to ensure that their facilities are not used to facilitate criminal activities and that they comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

With the 2027 elections approaching, hotel owners and managers face increased pressure to strengthen internal controls, protect guests and employees, maintain accurate records and cooperate appropriately with law enforcement agencies.

The Federal Government’s message is that the hospitality industry must remain professional and politically neutral while ensuring that its facilities are not exploited for illegal financial activities or other offences during the electioneering period.