ABUJA: In a strategic move to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Nigeria, Regus, a global leader in flexible office solutions, has launched its third co-working space in Abuja, situated at Murjanatu House, Maitama, Abuja. The Country Manager of Regus , Mr. Ayo Akinmade, says the initiative is part of a broader expansion to provide affordable, professional workspaces that help businesses thrive in a hybrid economy. “Our job is to provide ready-to-use, professional offices across Nigeria,” Akinmade stated in an interview with newsmen. “This location is built to ensure that anyone who comes here can produce high-quality work at modest prices.” The Murjanatu House facility spans 1,200 square meters, offering between 50 to 60 offices and seating up to 140 desks. It is part of an aggressive rollout strategy that includes a fourth Abuja location opening later the same day, and a fifth site projected to open in Garki II by year-end. According to Akinmade, the impact of these facilities goes beyond mere convenience:“Each business operating here has the potential to create a ripple effect generating income, employing people, and remitting taxes, including VAT. It’s about enabling economic growth at the grassroots.” He explained that many of their clients are VAT-registered companies, expected to contribute to government revenue through tax remittance while providing employment opportunities. Akinmade, who previously lived and worked in the UK, was inspired to bring Regus to Nigeria after realizing the gap in professional workspace options upon returning home. “In the UK, I used Regus offices for my private business. But when I came back to Nigeria, there was nothing like it. So, I initiated the conversation that led to us starting operations here,” he said. Now active in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja, Regus is offering tailor-made solutions for Nigeria’s evolving workforce. With the rise of remote and hybrid work arrangements post-COVID, the company is catering to diverse client needs ranging from single-day access to long-term leasing options. “Some clients want desks in multiple cities 10 here, five there. Others only need space five days a month. Our services are built to accommodate that kind of flexibility,” Akinmade explained. However, with flexibility comes responsibility. Regus enforces strict vetting protocols for all potential clients, requiring documentation such as photo ID, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration, professional references, and banking details. “We want to avoid situations where someone uses our space for fraudulent activity. Security and professionalism are paramount,” he emphasized. Also speaking at the launch, Valentine Nwadu, one of the partners, highlighted the strategic value of the location, describing it as one of the most central and accessible in the city. “You have Transcorp Hilton at one end of the road, the Federal High Courts, INEC, and NEPA headquarters nearby. It’s as central and premium as it gets,” he said.“Startups now have access to office infrastructure they could never afford on their own. It’s a game-changer.” Nwadu noted that Regus’ global footprint over 4,000 locations worldwide gives Nigerian businesses an edge, as memberships provide access to workspaces across major cities including Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, and even international hubs. “Nigeria has been identified as a growth market by IWG, the parent company of Regus. We’re proud to be part of that push by offering premium locations and supporting local entrepreneurs,” he added. The opening event is hosted by Country Manager, IWG, Ayo Akinmade, Network Property Director, Oyebimpe Oyedeji, alongside CEO, VCN Spaces Maitama Limited, Valentine Nwadu, and other key executives.