Leading global hospitality company Accor has announced a strategic partnership with John Williams Hotels & Resorts and Boulevard Hotel Group to develop Mövenpick Abuja and Mövenpick Living Abuja, marking a major milestone in the expansion of Accor’s premium and extended-stay brands in West Africa.
The project, slated to open in the first quarter of 2026, will be located in Abuja’s Central Business District along Constitution Avenue, offering convenient access to the Three Arms Zone — home to Nigeria’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches — and only a 30-minute drive from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The development will feature 138 hotel rooms under the Mövenpick brand and 36 serviced apartments under Mövenpick Living, blending contemporary design with Swiss-inspired hospitality. The dual concept aims to cater to both short-term guests and long-stay residents, particularly expatriates and multinational professionals seeking premium accommodation in Nigeria’s fast-growing capital.
“We are proud to continue expanding our presence in West Africa, a market full of potential,” said Maya Ziade, Chief Development Officer for the Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Middle East, Africa & Türkiye at Accor. “This signing reinforces our commitment to Nigeria and the broader African market and brings the Mövenpick Living concept to the country for the very first time — offering a new level of flexibility and comfort to long-stay guests.”
A Dual-Concept Development for a Growing Capital
Mövenpick and Mövenpick Living Abuja will combine business functionality with leisure appeal, reflecting the city’s evolving hospitality demand. The property will house four dining venues, a 665-square-metre grand ballroom, flexible meeting and conference facilities, a spa and fitness centre, and an outdoor pool — amenities that position it to serve both corporate and leisure travelers.
Abuja, one of Africa’s fastest-developing cities, has experienced a surge in demand for high-quality hotels and serviced residences driven by foreign missions, multinational firms, and Nigeria’s growing domestic tourism market. With few international long-stay options currently available, the new development is expected to fill a key market gap in the premium and extended-stay segments.
“This partnership brings our vision to life,” said Chief William Agbo, CEO and Founder of John Williams Hotels & Resorts. “We are introducing internationally recognized hospitality standards into the heart of Nigeria’s capital while creating opportunities for local talent and businesses.”
Strategic Collaboration Between Global and Local Partners
The project brings together Accor’s global brand strength, John Williams Hotels & Resorts’ local development expertise, and Boulevard Hotel Group’s operational capabilities. The partnership underscores a growing trend of cross-border collaborations that combine international know-how with local insight to deliver world-class hospitality experiences tailored to African markets.
“Boulevard Hotel Group is proud to bring operational excellence as we manage this flagship development,” said Ekene Nnabuihe, Group CEO of Boulevard Hotel Group. “Our goal is to set new standards of service and quality both in Abuja and across emerging markets in West Africa.”
Through the collaboration, the three partners aim to enhance Abuja’s appeal as a regional destination for business travel, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) events, and diplomatic engagements.
Aligning with Sustainable and Inclusive Growth
Beyond luxury, the development emphasizes responsible tourism and local inclusion. The partners have pledged to focus on local employment, skills development, and supply chain integration, ensuring that the project contributes directly to Nigeria’s hospitality ecosystem.
Accor said the new Mövenpick project aligns with its broader commitment to sustainable tourism and inclusive growth, pillars that guide its expansion strategy across Africa. The company’s sustainability framework prioritizes energy efficiency, water conservation, and community empowerment — key issues for emerging markets balancing economic development with environmental stewardship.
“Our goal is not only to deliver exceptional guest experiences but also to ensure that our projects positively impact local economies and communities,” Ms. Ziade noted.
Expanding Accor’s African Footprint
The Abuja signing strengthens Accor’s footprint in Nigeria, where it already operates four hotels under the ibis, Novotel, and Mövenpick brands. The new property adds to Accor’s expanding portfolio across the continent, which now includes over 167 hotels (32,000+ rooms) in more than 40 African countries, with 90 additional properties in the pipeline.
The Mövenpick brand, rooted in Swiss hospitality traditions and a commitment to culinary excellence, currently operates in over 130 locations globally. The Abuja development will introduce the Mövenpick Living concept — designed for extended stays — to Nigeria for the first time, reflecting Accor’s strategy to diversify its offerings in high-growth urban centres.
Accor’s expansion into Abuja comes amid rising investor confidence in Nigeria’s hospitality and real estate sectors, supported by growing urbanization and renewed demand for business travel across West Africa. Abuja’s infrastructure upgrades and ongoing commercial expansion have positioned it as a magnet for regional corporate events and diplomatic activity.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Hospitality Ecosystem
Industry observers see Accor’s move as a significant boost to Nigeria’s hospitality industry, which is gradually rebounding from the global travel downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the travel and tourism sector accounted for roughly 6% of Nigeria’s GDP in 2023, a figure expected to grow as infrastructure investments and foreign partnerships accelerate.
The Abuja project, with its mix of hotel and serviced apartments, is poised to meet the evolving expectations of international travelers seeking comfort, flexibility, and sustainability.
“This is more than just a hotel opening,” Chief Agbo remarked. “It’s a step toward redefining Abuja’s hospitality landscape with world-class facilities that celebrate both international excellence and local authenticity.”
The partnership between Accor, John Williams Hotels & Resorts, and Boulevard Hotel Group thus represents a landmark investment in Nigeria’s capital, aligning global standards with local opportunity. When completed, Mövenpick & Mövenpick Living Abuja is expected to become one of the city’s most prominent hospitality landmarks — a symbol of modernity, sustainability, and collaboration in West African tourism.
