Assessment of the Contribution of Hotels to Employment Generation in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, South South Nigeria

This study assesses the contribution of hotel establishments to employment generation in Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom State, South South Nigeria. Nigeria's rising unemployment rate has placed increasing policy attention on sector-specific employment potential, and the hospitality industry's labour-intensive nature makes it a significant contributor to job creation in urban centres. A descriptive survey design is adopted with questionnaires administered to human resource managers in 20 registered hotels and 160 hotel employees. The study measures direct employment figures, job categories created, wages paid, and indirect employment stimulated through supply chain linkages. Findings reveal that the 20 sampled hotels collectively employ 1,240 permanent staff and engage an estimated 480 indirect workers through food suppliers, laundry services, and transport providers. Average monthly wages for entry-level positions range between 35,000 and 60,000 naira. Seasonal employment spikes are noted during December and carnival periods. A significant proportion of workers report no access to formal contracts or social security benefits. The study recommends government-mandated employment standards for the hotel sector, incentivised expansion programmes for hotel operators, and vocational training linkages to increase the pipeline of qualified hospitality workers in Uyo. Formal social protection coverage for hotel workers through the National Health Insurance Scheme is also proposed. Keywords: hotel employment, job creation, Uyo, hospitality sector, labour market