Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) has further deepened its footprint in the aviation and travel services sector with the official commissioning of the Sapphire Hotel, a premium in-terminal hospitality facility located within the departure area of Terminal II at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The 20-room luxury hotel, unveiled by NAHCO Travel and Hospitality Limited (NHTL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NAHCO Plc, represents a strategic expansion of the company’s services beyond traditional ground handling into high-end passenger comfort and travel experience management.
Designed to cater for international travellers, transit passengers on extended layovers and business executives, the Sapphire Hotel is positioned as one of the few purpose-built in-terminal hotels in Nigeria’s aviation landscape.
Strategically situated just steps away from check-in counters and boarding gates, the Sapphire Hotel operates round-the-clock, offering guests a seamless transition from airside operations into a secure and tranquil luxury environment.
The concept aligns with global best practices at major international hubs, where in-terminal hotels are increasingly viewed as essential infrastructure for improving passenger satisfaction and airport competitiveness.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Group Executive Director, Commercial and Business Development at NAHCO Plc, Prince Saheed Lasisi, said the new facility underscores the company’s commitment to delivering world-class service standards across the travel value chain.
“As one of Nigeria’s most reliable travel management organisations, NAHCO continues to position itself as a trusted partner for hassle-free movement,” Lasisi stated. “We guarantee that the guest experience at Sapphire Hotel will be second to none in the country, combining comfort, security and convenience within the airport environment.”
Beyond accommodation, the Sapphire Hotel has been designed as a comprehensive hospitality hub tailored to the needs of modern travellers. The Business Head and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCO Travel and Hospitality Limited, Ms Ruky Ogbetuo, said the facility was conceived to blend rest, productivity and wellness within a single, secure airport location.
According to her, the hotel features tastefully furnished rooms equipped with high-end amenities, alongside support services such as a business office, dedicated workout and exercise area, and laundry facilities. Guests are also offered complimentary breakfast, with a range of curated lunch and dinner options designed to meet diverse culinary preferences.
A key advantage of the hotel is its immediate access to the Sapphire Lounge, a 127-seater premium passenger lounge that includes a VVIP section and a dedicated prayer area, allowing travellers to move effortlessly between rest, relaxation and pre-boarding activities.
Reinforcing this value proposition, the Group Chief Subsidiaries Officer, Mr M. I. Uddin, noted that the facility was built to meet the needs of time-sensitive travellers.
“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 launch ceremony attracted NAHCO’s top management, including the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Muyiwa Olumekun; the Chief Financial Officer, Mr Adeoye Emiloju; the Group Executive Director, Corporate Services, Dr Sola Obabori; and the Group Executive Director, Commercial and Business Development, Prince Saheed Lasisi.
Also in attendance were representatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), officials of major international airlines and high-net-worth frequent flyers.
Industry observers note that the Sapphire Hotel further reinforces NAHCO’s diversification strategy, as the company continues to evolve from a leading ground handling operator into a broader aviation services and travel experience provider.
With passenger traffic through MMIA steadily recovering and international travel demand on the rise, the in-terminal hotel is expected to support Lagos airport’s positioning as a regional hub while generating additional non-aeronautical revenue.
NAHCO Travel and Hospitality Limited is a subsidiary of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc. The company focuses on enhancing the end-to-end travel journey through premium lounge services, hospitality management and bespoke travel solutions, in line with NAHCO’s vision of delivering excellence across the aviation services ecosystem.
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