Abia State Government Services Portal
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Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy

Hospitality Establishment Licence

License a hotel, guest house, restaurant, event centre or other hospitality business to operate in Abia State.

Who can apply

The business, by its business ABSSIN. A sole proprietor without one registers the business first.

  • I am applying for the business (its business ABSSIN)

What you receive

An operating licence (HOS-HOT-2026-00123) with a QR code anyone can verify, valid for the year.

It is valid for a year from the day it is issued. It is issued as the Hospitality Establishment Operating Licence, with a QR code anyone can scan to confirm it is genuine and in force.

What you will need

Your application asks only for what your answers call for. Clear scans or photographs (PDF, JPG or PNG) are fine. Do not upload a tax clearance certificate: the Board of Internal Revenue checks it for you.

  • Photographs of the premises (front, reception, a typical room) Required
  • Fire safety certificate Required
  • Environmental health permit (if it applies)
  • Building approval or C of O of the premises (if it applies)
  • Liquor licence (if alcohol is sold) (if it applies)
  • Certificate of incorporation (or business name registration) Required For a company or business name
  • CAC status report (or Form CAC 7) naming the directors Required For a company or business name The desk officer confirms the directors you listed against it.

How it is processed

  1. Desk review — your application and documents are being checked
  2. Directors and CAC record — the company's directors are being confirmed For a company or business name only
  3. Inspection — your premises are due for inspection
  4. BIR assessment and payment — with the Board of Internal Revenue for assessment and payment
  5. Final review — your application is in final review
  6. Approval — your application is with the approving authority
  7. Issuance — your licence is being issued

Each stage is decided by the officer responsible for it, and approvals by officers who took no other part in the case. If anything more is needed you are asked on your Case Pass, and the clock waits for you. You are told at every step by SMS and WhatsApp.

The inspection

An inspector visits the premises before the application can go further. You are told the date in advance. The inspector checks:

  • Fire exits and extinguishers
  • Hygiene and sanitation
  • Rooms as declared
  • Signage and registration displayed