…as Regus, Chelsea Hotel unveil co-working hub in Abuja

By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – Industry leaders have called on the Federal Government to increase investment in tourism infrastructure, citing its potential to stimulate economic growth and support private enterprise.

The call was made during the unveiling of a new co-working hub in Abuja’s Central Business District. The facility is a collaboration between workspace provider Regus and Chelsea Hotel.

The new space offers amenities such as high-speed internet, round-the-clock electricity, meeting rooms, and access to Regus’s international network of offices.

Speaking at the event, Ayo Akinmade, Country Manager for Regus Nigeria, noted that the initiative has already attracted interest from international businesses.

“Our first users here were Chinese companies now operating in Nigeria. They are hiring staff, paying taxes, charging VAT, and that value trickles down across the economy,” Akinmade said.

He added that the facility supports various sectors, including hospitality, transport, and food services, with a potential ripple effect on the economy.

Acknowledging Nigeria’s challenging economic environment, Akinmade urged entrepreneurs to remain persistent.

“The business climate is hard. But if you believe, work hard, and pray, you will find a way. That is how we are still growing,” he said.

Chidinma Chidolue, Executive Director of Chelsea Hotel, said the collaboration reflects changes in the world of work and could contribute to economic diversification.

She advocated for stronger government involvement in tourism development, pointing to the underused cultural and natural assets in the capital.

“Abuja has incredible sites and cultural spaces. If we invest properly, tourism can become a major driver of Nigeria’s economy,” Chidolue said.

She also mentioned potential expansion of the co-working concept to other hotel locations across Nigeria.

“Partnerships in Nigeria can be complex, but our relationship with Regus has been smooth, professional, and promising. We encourage more such policies and partnerships,” she said.

Industry players at the event suggested that with appropriate policy support, tourism and hospitality could play a greater role in economic diversification and employment generation.

The workspace targets Nigeria’s increasing number of entrepreneurs and remote workers. It includes flexible usage plans and virtual office options, with access to thousands of centres worldwide.

Henry Onyeche, Regus Sales Director, noted that users benefit from additional services beyond office access.

“Every time someone signs up here, they automatically gain access to any of our 5,000+ global locations across 123 countries. This is the power of this partnership,” Onyeche said.

The facility’s launch highlights the potential of public-private collaboration in addressing economic and infrastructural gaps. Six more centres are expected to open in Abuja later this year.