Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Businesses and Hoteliers Stakeholders Forum (BSHF) in Edo State has called the emerging partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a turning point that will end misunderstandings and sudden raids on legitimate hotel businesses in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the Forum, Chairman, Chief Omogiade Edokpolo described the development as a “new era of trust and collaboration,” stressing that the cooperation will ensure hotel owners no longer feel targeted without justification.
“We have in the past experienced raids that sometimes occurred without prior engagement or clear understanding of our operations.
“These actions, though within the EFCC’s mandate, often created fear and disrupted genuine businesses.
“With this new partnership, we are confident that such misunderstandings will become a thing of the past. Our members can now operate in a safe and predictable environment”, Chief Edokpolo said.
The breakthrough followed a courtesy visit by the Forum’s executive members, including Chief Edokpolo, Secretary- Barr. Osarobo Onaghise, and managing directors of hotels, to the new Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Benin Zonal Directorate, DCE Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, on November 20, 2025.
During the visit, the EFCC, through DCE Sa’ad, assured full cooperation and directed senior officers to commence a sensitization programme for hoteliers on November 30, 2025.
The programme will cover partnership modalities, relevant laws, standard operating procedures, compliance requirements, and common violations such as inadequate Know-Your-Customer (KYC) practices, lodging of minors without proper supervision, and admitting unidentified guests.
Chief Edokpolo emphasized that the Forum fully supports the EFCC’s mandate and is committed to upholding the law.
“We pledge total compliance and law-abiding conduct from all our members,” he declared. “We are ready to carry out proper due diligence on guests as the Commission requires in the hospitality sector.
“This partnership is not just about avoiding penalties; it is about building a fraud-free environment where legitimate businesses can thrive without fear”, he said.
The EFCC, on its part, reiterated its commitment to professionalism and collaboration, assuring hotel owners that its doors remain open for dialogue and guidance.
With the sensitization meeting scheduled for November 30, hoteliers across Edo State have been urged to attend or send representatives, marking what the Forum describes as “a golden opportunity for lasting peace and prosperity in the industry.”