Title: Artificial Intelligence and Robots in the Nigerian Hospitality Sector: Factors to Consider Before Adoption
DOI: https://doi.org/10. 62250/nsuk.2026.34.3.1.14
Authors: Chiedozie Cyprain Nweke, Ali Dhakir Abbas, Chigozie Jude Odum
Published Date: 2026-10-12
Abstract: The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and robots in the hospitality industry has improved efficiency, personalisation, and 24/7 service in developed economies, yet scholarship on their applicability in emerging African economies remains limited. This preliminary study identifies factors that Nigerian hospitality stakeholders should consider before adopting AI and robots. A documentary, narrative literature review of peer-reviewed journal articles, government reports, and credible industry publications published between 2017 and 2024 was conducted using Google Search and Google Scholar, accessed through Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox browsers in May 2024. Relevant studies from Nigeria, Ghana, India, and developed economies were thematically synthesised. Five interrelated factors emerged: (a) economic viability and total cost of ownership; (b) labour implications, staff support, and retraining needs; (c) operational resilience and infrastructural readiness; (d) customer and cultural acceptance of high-tech versus high-touch service; and (e) marketing and service personalisation potential. High acquisition, installation, maintenance, and training costs, exchange-rate pressures, fear of job loss, and uneven digital literacy are major constraints, while seasonal hiring and complementary deployment offer pragmatic pathways. Phased, complementary adoption supported by government, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, and the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, alongside empirical guest and staff studies, is recommended before large-scale deployment. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Service robots, Hospitality industry, Labour, Nigeria
Citation criteria:
Adeyinka, T. (2024). Understanding the hospitality industry in Nigeria: A, B, Cs of the industry. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/understanding-hospitality-industry-nigeria-b-cs-tayo-adeyinka-a57yf
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