ABUJA — The management of Abuja Continental Hotel has reassured guests, corporate clients, diplomatic missions and event organisers that the hotel remains fully operational, safe and committed to delivering world-class hospitality despite Monday’s picketing by the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).
The TUC, through its affiliate, the Hotel and Personal Services Senior Staff Association (HAPSSSA), picketed the hotel on August 24 over allegations of unfair labour practices, poor working conditions and restrictions on workers’ freedom to unionise. The action disrupted access to the hotel and attracted security personnel, including police and DSS officials.
However, the hotel’s Cluster Director of Human Resources, Niyi Agoro, said management immediately activated security and business-continuity measures to protect guests, employees, business partners and other stakeholders.
Agoro said: “Abuja Continental Hotel remains fully operational and continues to deliver the exceptional standard of hospitality and service for which it is renowned.”
He described the blockade of the hotel’s gates as unnecessary and irresponsible, arguing that it disrupted the movement of guests, employees, emergency personnel, suppliers and business partners.
According to him, management had responded to correspondence from the TUC dated August 3 and proposed a meeting to discuss the issues raised, but the union did not respond or suggest an alternative date before proceeding with the protest.
The management maintained that its priority remained the safety and comfort of guests and the preservation of uninterrupted business operations.
On the controversy over unionisation, Agoro said the hotel respected employees’ constitutional right to freedom of association under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, while insisting that such freedom also involved the right of an individual to make a voluntary choice.
He said some hotel workers had openly indicated that they did not want union representation and that the TUC action did not represent their interests. Reports from the protest also indicated that some workers publicly opposed the picketing and said they were satisfied with existing welfare arrangements.
Agoro listed several welfare initiatives provided by the hotel, including healthcare coverage, staff transportation and accommodation, two daily meals, occupational health and safety measures, additional staff layover accommodation and night-shift services at the staff clinic.
He added that employees have access to confidential opinion surveys, monthly town hall meetings, departmental HR engagements, career-development programmes, leadership training and recognition initiatives.
The hotel also reassured corporate and government clients that the incident had not affected its ability to host major conferences, exhibitions and high-profile events.
Agoro said the Ladi Kwali Centre remained one of Nigeria’s leading venues for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), citing its event-management capabilities, experienced hospitality professionals, security infrastructure and culinary services.
He further disclosed that since the hotel was acquired in 2022, management had continued to invest in infrastructure, technology, facilities, operational systems and human capital as part of its ongoing transformation.
“Our guests should have absolute confidence that Management remains firmly in control of its operations and is taking every reasonable measure necessary to preserve the safety, security and integrity of the hotel,” Agoro said.
He added that the hotel remained open to dialogue with labour unions, government agencies, corporate clients and other stakeholders, but insisted that disputes should be resolved through constructive engagement, lawful processes and mutual respect rather than intimidation or physical obstruction.
Agoro said the hotel’s long-term transformation programme remained firmly on course, assuring clients that Abuja Continental would continue to strengthen its facilities and service delivery as it positions itself as one of Nigeria’s leading luxury and MICE hospitality destinations.
“Monday’s incident has not altered our commitment to operational excellence, safety, security or guest satisfaction,” he said.
The management consequently urged event planners, diplomatic missions, government institutions, global brands and other clients to continue to have confidence in the hotel, stressing that Abuja Continental remains “open, stable, resilient and fully committed” to providing premium hospitality services.
The TUC, meanwhile, has maintained its allegations of workers’ rights violations and said it would continue its action while remaining open to dialogue with the hotel management.
2026-08-26