Hoteliers under legal obligation to collect guest basic information – Bureau DG

...Says operators must provide security surveillance, assist law enforcement agents to combat crime

Delta State Government has again reminded all hotel owners, managers, and front desk staff of their statutory obligation to collect and maintain accurate and detailed information from guests checking into their facilities.

Director General, Delta State Bureau for Communications and Orientation, Dr (Barr) Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, in a statement on Saturday, said the reminder became necessary in light of recent incidents of ritual killings, sexual violence, rape, and murder in some hotels in the country, and few reported cases in the state.

He said it has become imperative for hotel management to adhere strictly to the law requiring them to obtain specific information from guests, pointing out that information obtained is crucial in aiding law enforcement agents to track down perpetrators, and bring them to justice.

Accordingly to the Bureau Chief, front desk officers in hotels must obtain vital information from guests before checking them in, which includes any of the following; valid driver’s license, international passport, national identity number, valid student identity card, permanent voters card, or any other government-issued Identity.

Other vital information hotel front desk officers must obtain from guests includes; detailed addresses of guests’ residences and workplaces, check-in and departure dates, arriving from and destination, detailed information about co-guest, especially female guests, telephone numbers, Email address and guest’s occupation or profession.

The state government reminded all licensed hoteliers, hotel unions and associations of their legal obligation to collect vital information from their guests, and to henceforth provide and ensure security surveillance to monitor guests activities within their premises and facilities as requested by law.

Dr Oghenesivbe further explained that the collection of guests information is not only a legal requirement, but also a critical tool in combating crimes, such as ritual killings, sexual violence, rape, and ritual murder in hotels, adding that in cases of alleged harbouring of criminals, the affected hotels must unconditionally assist law enforcement agents with guests contact information to facilitate investigation, apprehend and bring perpetrators to justice.

The State Orientation and Communications Bureau urges all hotel owners, managers, and staff to take this responsibility seriously and ensure that the required information is collected from every guest without exception, while emphasizing the need for vigilance and cooperation between hotel management and law enforcement agencies, so as to sustain a safe and secured environment for all citizens and visitors.

“By working together, we can reduce the incidence of crime in our hotels and ensure that Delta State remains a safe and secure place for everyone.

“His Excellency, the governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, and the state government are committed to ensure a safe and secured environment for all Deltans and visitors by investing heavily on operational vehicles and other logistic arrangements for law enforcement agents in the state.

“All hoteliers, hotel unions and associations are reminded of their legal obligation to collect vital information from their guests and provide security surveillance to monitor guests activities within their premises and facilities for a safer Delta,” the statement added.