By Saddam Muhammad
Residents of Yola and surrounding communities have renewed calls on the government to rehabilitate the long-abandoned Yola International Hotel, a once-promising hospitality project completed but never put into operation.
Located in a strategic area of the Adamawa State capital, the hotel was reportedly constructed in 1980 during the military regime to promote tourism and boost internally generated revenue. More than four decades later, however, the facility remains unused and has fallen into severe disrepair.
Over the years, poor security and lack of maintenance have exposed the structure to vandalism, with furniture, equipment, and other installations allegedly looted or destroyed.
The project was initially awarded during the administration of former Governor Boni Haruna. Despite subsequent efforts by later administrations, including that of former Governor Murtala Nyako, renovation works have remained incomplete. Reports also indicate that the late Abdulrahman Abba Jimeta once led efforts to revive the project, but the initiative was later halted for reasons that remain unclear.
Public attention returned to the site when former Governor Muhammadu Jibirilla Bindow, during an inspection visit, stated that 65 percent of the renovation had been completed. However, residents say visible progress did not follow the announcement.
Since assuming office in 2019, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has executed several development projects across the state capital. However, there has been no significant progress at the hotel site. Recently, the governor indicated the possibility of partnering with private investors to revive the facility.
Residents describe the continued abandonment of the hotel as a major economic loss, arguing that once operational, the facility could create employment opportunities, boost tourism, and support local businesses.
Ahmed Mohammed, a resident, expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact. He said reopening the hotel would create jobs for young people and stimulate economic activity.
Khadija Adamu Garamba called on the Federal Government and private investors to support efforts to revive the hotel, citing its potential to generate revenue and promote tourism in the state.
Similarly, Zainab, another resident, noted that reopening the hotel would help address the high demand for accommodation during major events while creating more employment opportunities for youths.
Another resident, who spoke anonymously, lamented the deteriorating condition of the once-modern structure and accused successive administrations of making promises without delivering tangible results.
Responding to the concerns, the Adamawa State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Aloysius Babadoke, recently announced plans for a public-private partnership to rehabilitate and manage the facility. He disclosed that a new contract would soon be awarded to private partners and expressed optimism that the move would attract investment, create jobs, and stimulate commercial activities in the state.
Residents remain hopeful that the latest initiative will finally restore the long-abandoned hotel and unlock its economic potential.
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