By Vincent Ujumadu

AWKA — As part of the newly passed Homeland Security Law, the Anambra State government has directed all Presidents General (PGs) in the state’s 179 communities to ensure that all hotel lodgers in their areas are properly identified upon checking in.

The law mandates hotel operators to collect full identification details of all guests, including photocopies of valid government-issued identification, and submit these details to the respective PGs every morning.

Prince Ken Emeakayi, Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Homeland Security, outlined the provisions of the law in a statement, urging strict adherence by hotel operators to avoid penalties.

The statement read: “All hotel owners must ensure that every guest lodging in their facility submits a government-issued form of identification, such as a national identity card, international passport, or voter’s card. The hotel must then make photocopies of these documents and submit them to the President General of the community, who will forward them to the local government mayor and, ultimately, to the state government.”

Failure to comply with the law will result in the hotel losing its operating facility and facing legal consequences.

However, some hotel owners have raised concerns about the potential negative impact on the hospitality industry. One anonymous hotel owner expressed worries that guests may be reluctant to share their personal information, particularly those who seek anonymity.

“Besides travelers, many guests who come to stay at hotels may not wish to disclose their identity,” the owner said. “We are already losing business to hotels in nearby Asaba, and this law will further harm the hospitality sector. This law is not favorable to our industry.”