NAHCO Travel and Hospitality Limited (NHTL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NAHCO Plc, has deepened its diversification drive with the commissioning of Sapphire Hotel, a premium in-terminal hospitality facility located within the departure area of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Terminal II, Lagos.
The 20-room Sapphire Hotel represents a strategic move by NAHCO beyond its traditional ground handling stronghold into high-end travel and hospitality services, positioning the group as a more integrated player across the aviation value chain. Purpose-built for international travellers, transit passengers on layovers and business executives, the hotel delivers a rare blend of luxury, efficiency and proximity within the airport environment.
Situated just steps from check-in counters and boarding gates, the hotel operates round the clock, allowing guests to move seamlessly from terminal activities into a calm, refined resting space without the stress of airport transfers. The concept is designed to meet the evolving expectations of modern travellers who value comfort without compromising time or convenience.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Prince Saheed Lasisi, Group Executive Director, Commercial and Business Development at NAHCO Plc, described the project as a reflection of the company’s commitment to service excellence and innovation. He noted that NAHCO continues to strengthen its reputation as a trusted partner for hassle-free travel experiences, assuring that the Sapphire Hotel would set a new benchmark for guest experience within Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
Beyond accommodation, Sapphire Hotel is positioned as a full-service hospitality hub. The Business Head and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCO Travel and Hospitality Limited, Ms. Ruky Ogbetuo, explained that the facility was designed with comfort, productivity and wellness in mind. Guests enjoy tastefully furnished rooms with premium amenities, complemented by an on-site business office, workout and exercise area, laundry services, and complimentary breakfast, alongside a variety of lunch and dinner options.
Enhancing the overall experience is the hotel’s immediate access to the Sapphire Lounge, a 127-seater premium passenger lounge featuring a VVIP section and a dedicated prayer area. The integrated layout ensures privacy, comfort and seamless movement for high-value passengers throughout their airport journey.
Also speaking, the Group Chief Subsidiaries Officer, Mr. M.I. Uddin, said the hotel strikes a careful balance between luxury and functionality, catering to travellers who need rest and efficiency while remaining just seconds away from their boarding gates.
The commissioning ceremony attracted NAHCO’s top management, including the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Muyiwa Olumekun; Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Adeoye Emiloju; and Group Executive Director, Corporate Services, Dr. Sola Obabori. Key stakeholders from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), international airlines and frequent flyers were also in attendance, underscoring the strategic importance of the project.
With the launch of Sapphire Hotel, NAHCO is reinforcing its long-term diversification strategy and signalling its ambition to play a leading role in shaping premium airport experiences in Nigeria and the wider West African region. The initiative reflects a broader vision where convenience, comfort and service excellence converge within the airport terminal, redefining how travellers experience transit and travel.
