FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Businesses and Hoteliers Stakeholders Forum, BSHF, in Edo State has described the emerging partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, as a turning point that will end misunderstandings and abrupt raids on legitimate hotel businesses.
The development as a “new era of trust and collaboration,”will strengthen cooperation and ensure that hotel owners no longer feel targeted without justification.
Speaking on behalf of the Forum, its Chairman, Chief Omogiade Edokpolo described the development as a relief unlike past raids that sometimes occur without prior engagement or clear understanding of our operations.
“These actions, though within EFCC’s mandate, often create fear and disrupt 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”, Edokpolo stated.
The breakthrough followed a courtesy visit by the Forum’s executive members, including Chief Edokpolo, Secretary- Osarobo Onaghise, and managing directors of hotels, to the new Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Benin Zonal Directorate, Sa’ad Sa’ad,.
During the visit, the EFCC, through DCE Sa’ad, assured of full cooperation and directed senior officers to commence a sensitisation programme for hoteliers on November 30.
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 EFCC’s mandate and is committed to upholding the law.
“We pledge total compliance and law-abiding conduct from all our members. We are ready to carry out proper due diligence on guests as the commission requires in the hospitality sector.
He added that this partnership is not just about avoiding penalties; it is building a fraud-free environment where legitimate businesses can thrive without fear”.
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 sensitisation meeting scheduled for November 30, hoteliers across Edo State have been urged to attend or send representatives, marking what the Forum described as “a golden opportunity for lasting peace and prosperity in the industry.”
