The hospitality business in Nigeria: issues, challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to advance cooperation and collaboration as solutions to problems in the Nigerian hospitality industry. The issues and challenges plaguing the hospitality industry in Nigeria are discussed in the context of the case company, a small independent restaurant in Lagos. Design/methodology/approach Phenomenological research strategies guided the approach to this study. The authors identified a specific problem and gathered information, primarily through one-on-one interviews and a focus group, to learn how individuals within a defined industry experienced the ramifications of the phenomenon. Findings The operating environment of the hospitality sector in Nigeria has an effect on the supply of skills and the financial performance of the case restaurant and similar hospitality businesses. To improve overall performance of the industry, private-public partnerships between government agencies, hospitality colleges and hospitality businesses, strategic partnerships between expert hospitality institutions and business schools, cooperation among hospitality business owners and improvement in managerial practices could be strategic moves for an industry operating under heavy institutional hindrances peculiar to Nigeria. Research limitations/implications The authors analysed the environmental trickle-down effect that could impact the profits of the restaurant. Organisational qualities such as leadership styles, the psychology of employment and the operations or policies of the company are not viewed in this context. The issues of the restaurant and a few hospitality businesses in Lagos were flagged as a representation for the industry in Nigeria. Practical implications Predisposing factors contributing to the attributed negative trickle-down effect on the enabling business environment for the industry, strategic partnerships, attaining high standards for curriculum development at educational institutions and enhanced training, with the goal of assuring creditable skills within the hospitality industry. Originality/value This paper is among the first to examine the critical issues, challenges and opportunities facing the hospitality industry in Nigeria.