AIBEN Investment and Properties Limited, a leading real estate and hospitality firm, has unveiled its new multi-billion-naira luxury facility Bourdillon Hotel in Gwarinpa, Abuja, pledged to redefine the city’s hospitality and tourism experience.
Speaking at the grand opening, the Chief Executive Officer of AIBEN Group, Chief Andrew Elerewa, described the project as a dream fulfilled and a testament to the company’s belief in Nigeria’s tourism potential.
“I feel elated, excited, and deeply fulfilled. Going through the process of building and finally seeing it come to reality, I’m very thankful to God,” Elerewa said. “A lot happened along the way, but we’re happy to finally deliver a world-class facility that will serve the Gwarinpa community and contribute to our nation’s economic growth.”
He said the project reflected AIBEN’s confidence in the viability of Nigeria’s tourism sector, which he described as an “industry of the future” capable of driving substantial national revenue if given the right support.
Elerewa urged the government to continue providing an enabling environment for investors, added that the private sector remained a vital partner in growing the industry.
“Government’s role is to create the right environment, while investors bring in funds to build infrastructure. Tourism is a money-spinning industry, and Nigeria must begin to believe in it,” he noted. “This project has already generated jobs, and government also benefits through taxes that’s how the economy grows.”
He emphasized the importance of tax compliance and transparency in business, urged entrepreneurs to take advantage of government incentives rather than evade their obligations.
“Tax is part of business. If you stay on the right course and grow with the system, it will ultimately benefit everyone,” he said.
The Project Manager of Bourdillon Hotel, Ajayi Simeon, said the facility was designed to set a new benchmark in luxury and hospitality standards in Abuja.
“We benchmarked against the best in the world, and what we have here can stand anywhere. We also value our staff and pay above minimum wage because we believe excellence must be rewarded,” Simeon stated.
Also speaking, former Chairman of the FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and father of the CEO, Timothy Elerewa, lauded the project as a landmark achievement for the family and a significant contribution to the economy.
He commended the Federal Capital Territory Administration under Minister Nyesom Wike for infrastructural improvements that encourage private investment.
“Twenty years ago, I didn’t see this day coming. With over 600 staff across his hotels, my son is helping the government to create jobs because he understands that government alone cannot do everything,” he said.
With the commissioning of Bourdillon Hotel, AIBEN Group said it aimed to strengthen Nigeria’s hospitality sector, attract more visitors to Abuja, and promote tourism as a key driver of national development.
