BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
NAHCO Travel and Hospitality Limited (NHTL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NAHCO Plc, has raised the bar for in-terminal hospitality with the official commissioning of Sapphire Hotel, a luxury facility located within the departure area of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Terminal II, Lagos.
The 20-room Sapphire Hotel marks a strategic expansion of NAHCO’s footprint beyond ground handling into premium travel and hospitality services.
Designed to cater to international travellers, transit passengers on layovers and business executives, the facility blends convenience, comfort and exclusivity within the airport environment.
Strategically positioned just seconds away from check-in counters and boarding gates, Sapphire Hotel operates round-the-clock, offering guests a seamless transition from terminal activities to a tranquil, high-end resting space.
The concept is aimed at eliminating the stress of airport transfers while delivering world-class hospitality standards.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Group Executive Director, Commercial and Business Development, NAHCO Plc, Prince Saheed Lasisi, said the project underscores the company’s commitment to service excellence across the travel value chain.
“As one of Nigeria’s most reliable travel management organizations, NAHCO continues to position itself as a trusted partner for hassle-free movement. We guarantee that the guest experience at Sapphire Hotel will be second to none in the country,” he said.
Beyond accommodation, the 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 the modern traveller in mind.
Guests have access to tastefully furnished rooms with premium amenities, an on-site business office, a dedicated workout and exercise area, laundry services, and complimentary breakfast alongside diverse lunch and dinner options.
A major attraction is the hotel’s immediate proximity to the Sapphire Lounge, a 127-seater premium passenger lounge featuring a VVIP section and a dedicated prayer area, further enhancing the end-to-end travel experience.
Also speaking, the Group Chief Subsidiaries Officer, Mr. M.I. Uddin, noted that the hotel strikes a careful balance between luxury and efficiency.
“Whether you are on a long layover or need to be seconds away from your boarding gate, we have created a space that perfectly balances luxury with functionality,” he said.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by NAHCO’s top management, including the Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Muyiwa Olumekun; Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Adeoye Emiloju; and Group Executive Director, Corporate Services, Dr. Sola Obabori, alongside key stakeholders from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), international airlines and frequent flyers.
With Sapphire Hotel, NAHCO is reinforcing its diversification strategy and positioning itself as a key player in Nigeria’s evolving aviation and travel excellence ecosystem.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
