By Obinna Emelike

Copyright businessday

Uzoamaka Oshogwe is the managing director and chief executive officer of Transcorp Hotels Plc.

Since assuming office on January 1, 2025, Oshogwe, who has distinguished herself, amid a successful career spanning three decades in companies across the world, has brought fresh breathe to foremost hospitality company.

In this interview with Obinna Emelike, the new MD/CEO, who joined at an exciting time in the company’s growth and expansion, shares her excitement, service and facility offerings that distinguish the company, commitment to boost the growth trajectory, among other efforts being put in place to redefine hospitality across Nigeria and beyond. Excerpt:

Congratulations once again on your appointment as MD/CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc. How has it been since your resumption on January 1, 2025?

Thank you very much. It has been an incredible journey. It feels less like a new role and more like a return to a familiar and beloved home. I have been fortunate to have a team of passionate and talented professionals who have made the transition seamless. We have hit the ground running, and the energy and commitment of everyone from the front desk staff to the executive team have been inspiring. It has been a privilege to lead a brand that is a symbol of Nigerian hospitality excellence.

Read also: Meet Uzoamaka Oshogwe: A fresh breath at Transcorp Hotels

Of course, Transcorp Hotels Plc is a leading hospitality company in Nigeria. What are you doing to further that leadership position, considering the competition out there?

Our leadership position is something we do not take for granted. We know that leadership is not just about being the biggest, but about being the best, constantly innovating and exceeding expectations. Our strategy is built on three pillars: enhancing the guest experience through continuous improvements to our hotel rooms and our diverse F&B offerings, expanding our capacity with world-class facilities like the new Transcorp Centre, and deepening our commitment to sustainability and local communities. For us, leadership is a journey of continuous improvement, not a destination.

Also, congratulations on the impressive half-year result of Transcorp Hotels Plc. What will you attribute the good result to?

Thank you. The impressive half-year result speaks to the hard work and resilience of our entire team. It is a reflection of a strong, well-executed strategy focused on operational efficiency and a relentless pursuit of excellence across all our business units. Our high occupancy rates and the strong patronage of our diverse F&B outlets, combined with the successful launch of the new Transcorp Centre, have all contributed to our performance. It is truly a collective achievement built on discipline and dedication.

What is the management doing to sustain or surpass the result in the remaining half of the year?

We are committed to building on this momentum. Our focus for the rest of the year is on maximizing the potential of all our assets. This includes ensuring our rooms and suites remain a benchmark for luxury, and continuously innovating our F&B menus to offer new and exciting culinary experiences. We will also continue to optimize our operational costs, leverage data to enhance our marketing efforts, and, most importantly, invest in our people. We believe that by creating an empowered and motivated workforce, we can continue to deliver the exceptional service that our guests expect and deserve.

No doubt, Abuja is a hub for Meetings Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. How is Transcorp Hotels Plc positioning to reap from the boom in the industry?

Our flagship hotel, Transcorp Hilton Abuja has always been at the heart of the MICE industry in Nigeria. With the completion of the new Transcorp Centre, we are now in an unparalleled position to lead the boom. The new center is a world-class facility with a 5,000-seat capacity, equipped with cutting-edge technology and flexible spaces. This allows us to host everything from major international conventions to corporate retreats simultaneously, all while offering the premium hospitality of Transcorp Hilton. The new center also drives significant business to our hotel rooms and F&B outlets, as event attendees and organizers require our accommodation and dining services. We are not just positioning to reap from the boom; we are actively helping to create it.

In the next five years, many international brands will be opening their outlets in Abuja, most of which are five-star properties. How are you preparing for an impending stiffer scramble for market share in Abuja?

We are prepared for the competition. Our strategy is not to react to new entrants but to continue to build on our unique strengths. Our competitive advantage lies in our brand heritage, our deep understanding of the Nigerian market, and the consistent quality of our rooms and the variety of our F&B options. We have a loyal customer base built on decades of trust, and we believe that in an environment with many options, this trust and consistency will be our greatest competitive advantage. We are not just selling a room or a meal; we are selling a legacy of excellence and a true home away from home.

Considering the above, are there expansion plans for Abuja, Lagos and across the country?

Yes, expansion is a key part of our strategic roadmap. We are actively exploring opportunities to grow our footprint not just in Abuja, but also in other key cities like Lagos and beyond. The plan is to continue to acquire, develop, and manage a portfolio of premium hospitality assets across the country. Any new properties will also focus on delivering the same high standard of rooms, impeccable service, and diverse F&B offerings that Transcorp Hilton Abuja is known for.

In your opinion, what is the secret of the hotel’s success in business for decades now and running?

The secret to our success is our people and our commitment to service. For decades, our team has gone above and beyond to make every guest feel valued. This isn’t just about a standard of service; it is a culture of hospitality that is embedded in every member of our staff, from the team that prepares our world-class meals to the staff who ensure our rooms are a perfect sanctuary. When you combine this with an unwavering focus on maintaining world-class facilities and a deep-seated pride in our Nigerian heritage, you get a timeless recipe for success.

What legacy are you going to bequeath the hotel in your tenure as the MD/CEO?

My vision is to leave a legacy of a truly resilient and innovative organization. I want to create a future-proof company. This means prioritizing investments in technology, sustainability, and talent development. I want my tenure to be remembered as the era when we took an iconic brand and not only maximized a world-class event centre but also further solidified our reputation for having the best rooms and a premium culinary destination, equipping it to thrive in a new, dynamic world.