The Delborough
Abuja
A Comprehensive Development Proposal submitted to the National Council for Arts and Culture — a ₦225 Billion, 100-key, 7-star hotel and private residences at the Arts Village, Abuja FCT.
Nigeria's Luxury Hospitality Gap Is a National Strategic Risk
Abuja hosts the African Development Bank headquarters, the Presidency, the National Assembly, the Supreme Court, and receives daily visits from global investors, heads of state, and international delegations. Yet Nigeria's capital lacks a truly iconic, independently owned Nigerian luxury hotel to match this stature and ambition.
Nigeria's tourism receipts represent a fraction of what the nation could earn. Rwanda — a country of 14 million people — earns $498 million annually from tourism. Morocco attracts 13 million international visitors per year. Ethiopia's new Marriott and Hilton properties have transformed Addis Ababa's conference economy. Nigeria can — and must — do better.
"When foreign dignitaries arrive in Abuja, the quality of their accommodation sends an unmistakable message about the ambition and capability of the Nigerian state."
Born in Lagos. Built for the World.
Ultimate Sophistication — Hospitality Redefined
The Delborough Lagos was conceived with a singular, uncompromising vision: to create a hospitality experience that rivals the finest hotels in the world — not by imitation, but by innovation. Designed by a team of seasoned architects, interior designers, and hospitality connoisseurs, The Delborough is Nigeria's most acclaimed independent luxury hotel, located in the heart of Victoria Island, Lagos.
Unlike international franchise brands that export profits abroad, The Delborough is proudly Nigerian — its revenues, its talent, and its cultural identity are rooted in Nigeria. Bringing this proven brand to Abuja is not merely a business proposition; it is a statement of national confidence.
An Unmatched Portfolio of Luxury Experiences
The Verdict Is Unanimous: The Delborough Delivers
Abuja Demands a Hotel Worthy of Its Ambition
Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory is the political, diplomatic, and administrative heart of Africa's most populous nation. It hosts the Presidency, the National Assembly, the Supreme Court, the African Development Bank headquarters, and the diplomatic missions of over 100 countries. Yet Abuja lacks a truly iconic, independently owned Nigerian luxury hotel.
The Delborough Abuja Is the Renewed Hope Initiative in Action
"Tourism is not a luxury; it is a necessity for economic growth, job creation, and the projection of our national identity to the world. Nigeria has everything it takes to become Africa's premier tourism destination — and we must act now."
Directly Delivering on Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa's Vision
The Honourable Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture has articulated three strategic pillars for Nigeria's creative and tourism economy. The Delborough Abuja delivers on all three simultaneously.
The Numbers Tell a Compelling Story
Governments That Got It Right
The model of government-owned land leased to private hospitality operators on long-term leases is not new. It is, in fact, the defining strategy behind some of the world's most celebrated tourism transformations. Every case below began with a government decision to treat its land as a strategic asset — not a liability.
Global Precedents at a Glance
| Country | Project | Lease Term | Govt. Capital | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | Sentosa Integrated Resort | 30–60 years | Land only | 19M visitors/yr, 4% GDP |
| Dubai | Palm Jumeirah Hotels | 99 years | Land only | 11.5% GDP from tourism |
| Rwanda | Kigali Convention Centre | 50 years | Land only | $498M annual tourism revenue |
| South Africa | Durban Beachfront | 50 years | ₦0 | R1B private investment, 2,000 jobs |
| Morocco | Plan Azur Resorts | Long-term concession | Land only | 13M+ visitors/yr, 6.7% GDP |
| Kenya | National Parks Lodges | 25–45 years | Land only | 10.4% GDP, $50M+ lease income |
| Nigeria (Proposed) | The Delborough Abuja | 30+30 years | ₦0 | 1,500+ jobs, $50M FX, ₦25B GDP |
₦225 Billion. 30+30 Years. Auto-Renewal. Zero Risk to Government.
Formal Comprehensive Development Proposal — Submitted to NCAC, February 2026
Total Investment Breakdown
| Phase 1 — Hotel (100 Keys, 7-Star) | ₦90,000,000,000 (40%) |
| Phase 2 — The Delborough Residences | ₦56,250,000,000 (25%) |
| Phase 3 — Private Jet Terminal & Helipad | ₦22,500,000,000 (10%) |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E) | ₦22,500,000,000 (10%) |
| Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing | ₦11,250,000,000 (5%) |
| Technology, Smart Systems & Security | ₦9,000,000,000 (4%) |
| Pre-Opening, Training & Contingency | ₦13,500,000,000 (6%) |
| TOTAL COMMITTED INVESTMENT | ₦225,000,000,000 |
Proposed Lease & Commercial Terms
| Parties | The Delborough Abuja Ltd (Lessee) + NCAC (Lessor) |
| Site | 4 Hectares, Arts Village, Abuja FCT |
| Lease Term | 30 years + 30-year automatic renewal (60 years total) |
| Auto-Renewal | Lease renews automatically unless terminated by mutual written consent — no renegotiation required |
| Annual Lease Fee | $20,000,000 USD per annum — escalating 5% p.a. from Year 6 |
| Revenue Share | 3% of Gross Hotel Revenue from Year 3 of operations |
| Total Investment | ₦225,000,000,000 — 100% privately funded, zero government capital |
| Funding Partners | Afreximbank · Bank of Industry (BOI) · Nigerian Commercial Banks · Nuvion Capital · Flutterwave Financial Services |
| Construction Start | Within 6 months of lease execution |
| Completion (Phase 1 — Hotel) | 18 months from construction start |
| Completion (Phase 2 — Residences & Jet Terminal) | 36 months from construction start |
| Nigerian Workforce | Minimum 80% at all levels |
| Local Procurement | Minimum 70% by value |
| Asset Reversion | Full reversion of all structures at lease end |
| Governing Law | Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria |
| PPP Compliance | ICRC Act 2005 · Public Procurement Act 2007 |
NCAC Earnings Projection — 30-Year Term (USD Lease Fee)
| Year | Lease Fee (USD) | Revenue Share (₦) | Total to NCAC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $20M | — | $20M |
| Year 3 | $20M | ₦1.2B | $20M + ₦1.2B |
| Year 5 | $20M | ₦1.8B | $20M + ₦1.8B |
| Year 10 | $25.5M | ₦3B | $25.5M + ₦3B |
| Year 20 | $41.6M | ₦5B | $41.6M + ₦5B |
| Year 30 | $67.7M | ₦7.5B | $67.7M + ₦7.5B |
| 30-Year Total | ~$900M USD | ~₦84B | One of Nigeria's Largest PPP Returns |
Funding Structure & Strategic Partners
Concept Renderings
A visual preview of what The Delborough Abuja will look like — from the grand hotel entrance to the private residences tower and the exclusive jet terminal.
These renderings represent the architectural vision for The Delborough Abuja. Final designs will be developed in consultation with internationally acclaimed architects following execution of the Heads of Agreement.
The Delborough Residences & Private Jet Terminal
A Complete Luxury Ecosystem on 4 Hectares
Own a Piece of Nigeria's Most Prestigious Address
Adjacent to the hotel, The Delborough Residences will offer a curated collection of ultra-luxury branded apartments and penthouses — fully serviced by the hotel, with access to all amenities. Residents will enjoy the same 7-star standards as hotel guests: concierge, housekeeping, spa, dining, and the Rolls Royce fleet.
The Residences will attract Nigeria's most successful entrepreneurs, senior diplomats, and international executives seeking a permanent base in the Federal Capital Territory — generating a significant additional revenue stream for the project and for NCAC.
Arrive in Absolute Style. Depart on Your Own Terms.
The Delborough Abuja will feature a dedicated Private Jet Terminal and Helipad — a first for any hotel in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory. Guests and residents will be able to arrive directly by private jet or helicopter, bypassing the main terminal entirely, and be transferred to the hotel in the Rolls Royce fleet within minutes.
This facility will serve heads of state, global investors, senior diplomats, and high-net-worth individuals — positioning The Delborough Abuja as the only hotel in West Africa offering a seamless, fully private arrival experience from air to suite.
From Groundbreaking to Grand Opening in 18 Months
A disciplined, milestone-driven delivery plan — Hotel Phase 1 open by Q4 2027
Cover Letter to the Director-General
Mr. Obi Asika
Director-General
National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC)
Arts Village, Central Business District
Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
Re: Formal Submission — Comprehensive Development Proposal for The Delborough Abuja
Reference: NCAC/DG/2026/001
Dear Mr. Asika,
We write with great honour and enthusiasm in response to your correspondence of 19th February 2026, in which the National Council for Arts and Culture formally acknowledged our proposal and invited us to submit a Comprehensive Development Proposal together with draft Heads of Agreement.
The Delborough Hotels & Residences is a proudly Nigerian luxury hospitality brand, born in Lagos and built to the highest international standards. Our flagship property in Victoria Island has established a benchmark for ultra-luxury hospitality on the African continent — earning consistent recognition from guests across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the wider African diaspora. It is from this foundation of proven excellence that we now bring our vision to the nation's capital.
The proposed development — The Delborough Abuja — represents a total committed investment of ₦225 Billion, to be developed on a 4-hectare site within the Arts Village, Abuja FCT. The project will deliver a 100-key, 7-star ultra-luxury hotel, The Delborough Residences (40–60 private units), and Nigeria's first hotel-integrated Private Jet Terminal — a complex of national and continental significance.
This submission directly addresses all seven requirements set out in your letter: total project investment and funding structure; detailed concept design and site requirements; proposed lease tenure and financial terms; development timeline and delivery milestones; revenue model and economic impact projections; operational structure and governance framework; and the specific obligations of both parties.
We propose a lease tenure of 30 years with automatic 30-year renewal, at an annual lease fee of $20 Million USD — generating a projected $900 Million USD for the Federal Government of Nigeria over the initial term, with zero public expenditure required. The Federal Government bears no construction risk, no operational risk, and no financial exposure whatsoever.
We are deeply aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Initiative and the strategic vision of the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. This development is not merely a hotel — it is a statement of national ambition: that Nigeria can and must host the world's most discerning travellers, investors, and diplomats in a facility that reflects the true depth of our culture, our creativity, and our economic potential.
We respectfully request the opportunity to present this proposal in person to you, the Honourable Minister, and any relevant technical committees at your earliest convenience. We stand ready to proceed to the execution of a Heads of Agreement and, thereafter, to a groundbreaking ceremony that will mark a historic moment for Nigerian hospitality and the Arts Village.
We thank you sincerely for your confidence in The Delborough brand and for the National Council for Arts and Culture's commitment to transforming Nigeria's cultural and tourism landscape.
Yours faithfully,
The Delborough Hotels & Residences
Management & Development Office
Victoria Island, Lagos · Federal Capital Territory, Abuja
www.thedelborough.com
The National Council for Arts and Culture Has Responded
"The Council has reviewed your proposal with considerable interest. We are pleased to note the alignment of your vision with our mandate to develop world-class cultural infrastructure and to position Nigeria as a leading destination for arts, culture, and tourism."
"Subject to satisfactory alignment and approvals, the Council is prepared to move expeditiously toward formalization and the scheduling of a groundbreaking ceremony."
What NCAC Has Asked For — And What We Have Submitted
The Honourable Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture
Federal Republic of Nigeria
February 2026