Tourism in Nigeria

Geographically situated along the West African Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria covers a vast area of 923,768 square kilometers and is home to approximately 150 million people. The country boasts significant biodiversity, encompassing tropical rainforests, coastal plains, mangroves, and savannah zones. In theory, Nigeria possesses all the ingredients for a thriving tourism industry: it boasts a diverse cultural heritage with its 370 ethnic groups, is graced with abundant natural marvels, unique wildlife, and enjoys a highly favorable climate.[4] However, national-level initiatives to foster tourism have been notably lacking.[4] It wasn't until 1976 that Nigeria established an official tourist board, and the formulation of a national tourism policy only took shape in the 1990s.[4] The majority of foreign visitors to Nigeria primarily arrive for business or family-related purposes.[4]

For an extended period, the Nigerian government has pursued economic expansion by leveraging the hospitality and tourism sector, areas where the country holds a distinct advantage.[5] Nigeria's prominence in the African and global arena is rooted in its reputation as the "giant of Africa" and its status as the ancestral home of ancient, illustrious precolonial kingdoms and tribes, such as the Benin kingdom and the Edo tribe, which have given rise to remarkable artifacts and cultural legacies.[5]

The tourism sector in Nigeria is centered around a variety of destinations, festivals, and activities.[6] Some notable examples of these destinations comprise the Yankari Game Reserve, the Obudu Cattle Ranch, the Old Oyo National Park, the Ikogosi Warm Springs, the Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls, the Afikpo Caves, and the Bar Beach, to name a few.[6] Tourism resources, in this context, encompass the wealth and assets accessible to individuals or a nation, which can be harnessed to accomplish specific goals.[7] Two fundamental resource categories can be distinguished: natural and cultural resources.[7] Natural resources encompass the tangible elements bestowed by nature, such as mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, vast grasslands, minerals, soils, animals, and plants. On the other hand, cultural resources pertain to the intangible, yet culturally rich attributes acquired within a society and transmitted across generations.[7] These include beliefs, festivals, architectural styles, masquerades, dances, theatrical performances, ironworking, woodworking, carving, sculpture, metalworking, paintings, drawings, and more.[7]

Abuja is home to several parks and green areas with the largest one being Millennium Park. Millennium Park was designed by architect Manfredi Nicoletti and was officially opened by the United Kingdom's Elizabeth II in December 2003. Another open area park is located in Lifecamp Gwarimpa; near the residence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The park is located on a slightly raised hilltop which contains sport facilities like Basketball and Badminton courts another park is the city park, it is located in wuse 2 and is home to numerous outdoor and indoor attractions such as a 4D cinema, astro-turf, lawn tennis court, paintball arena and a variety of restaurants.

Nigeria boasts an array of iconic large mammals, including the Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli), the African elephant (Loxodonta africana), the lion (Panthera leo), and the Nigerian-Cameroon chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes ellioti).[3] The nation is also a focal point for primate diversity and features an impressive avian diversity, with a remarkable 940 species, one of the highest counts in Africa.[3]

Lagos, subsequent to the re-modernization project achieved by the previous administration of Governor Raji Babatunde Fashola, is gradually becoming a major tourist destination, being one of the largest cities in Africa and in the world. Lagos is currently taking steps to become a global city. The 2009 Eyo carnival (a yearly festival originated from Iperu Remo, Ogun State), which took place on 25 April, was a step toward world city status. Currently, Lagos is primarily known as a business-oriented and a fast-paced community.[8]

The globally recognized Mountain race, initially established and now hosted in Nigeria's Obudu Plateau, reflects an appreciation of the region's unique terrain and semi-temperate climate.[3] Notable events like the Argungu Fishing Festival maintain their popularity as significant tourist attractions in Nigeria.[3] The Hadejia Nguru Wetlands in the northern part of the country, along with several other remarkable sites, hold substantial potential for hosting millions of migratory birds, presenting a significant resource for seasonal bird-watching if thoughtfully developed.[9]

Lagos has become an important location for African and "black" cultural identity.[10] Many festivals are held in Lagos; festivals vary in offerings each year and may be held in different months. Some of the festivals are Festac Food Fair held in Festac Town Annually by Festaconline, Eyo Festival, Lagos Black Heritage Carnival, Lagos Carnival, Eko International Film Festival, Lagos Seafood Festac Festival, LAGOS PHOTO Festival and the Lagos Jazz Series, which is a unique franchise for high-quality live music in all genres with a focus on jazz. Established in 2010, the popular event takes place over a 3–5 day period at selected high quality outdoor venues. The music is as varied as the audience itself and features a diverse mix of musical genres from rhythm and blues to soul, Afrobeat, hip hop, bebop, and traditional jazz. The festivals provide entertainment of dance and song to add excitement to travelers during a stay in Lagos.

Lagos has a number of sandy beaches by the Atlantic Ocean, including Elegushi Beach and Alpha Beach. Lagos also has a number of private beach resorts including Inagbe Grand Beach Resort and several others in the outskirts.[11]

Lagos has a variety of hotels ranging from three star to five star hotels, with a mixture of local hotels such as Eko Hotels and Suites, Federal Palace Hotel and franchises of multinational chains such as Intercontinental Hotel, Sheraton and Four Points by Hilton. Other places of interest include the Tafawa Balewa Square, Festac town, The Nike Art Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos and the Cathedral Church of Christ, Lagos.

Obudu Mountain Resort is a ranch and resort on the Obudu Plateau in Cross River State. It was developed in 1951 by M. McCaughley, a Scot who first explored the mountain ranges in 1949. He camped on the mountaintop of the Oshie Ridge on the Sankwala Mountains for a month before returning with Mr. Hugh Jones a fellow rancher in 1951. Together with Dr Crawfeild, they developed the Obudu Cattle Ranch.[12] Although the ranch has been through troubles since, it has been rehabilitated to its former glory.

Since 2005, a cable car climbing 870 metres (2,850 ft) from the base to the top of the plateau gives visitors a scenic view while bypassing the extremely winding road to the top.[13] The resort is found on the Obudu Plateau, close to the Cameroon border in the northeastern part of Cross River State, approximately 110 kilometres (68 mi) east of the town of Ogoja and 65 kilometres (40 mi) from the town of Obudu in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State.[14] It is about 30 minutes drive from Obudu town and is about a 332 kilometres (206 mi) drive from Calabar, the Cross River State capital.[15] Charter air service is available to the Bebi Airport which lies between the village of Obudu and the resort. The ranch has in recent times seen an influx of both Nigerian and international tourists because of the development of tourist facilities by Cross-River State Government, which has turned the ranch into a well known holiday and tourist resort center in Nigeria.[16]

Also, Ibeno Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country and the longest coastline sand beach in Nigeria and West Africa.[17] It is situated in Jamestown in Akwa Ibom. The city is said to be named after the local government where it is located. According to historians, the beach is one of the oldest beaches in Nigeria.

The idea that tourism can serve as a cornerstone for achieving sustainable national economic development has been substantiated in various countries.[6] To meet the requisites for sustainable development, a sector must exhibit effective sustainable management practices. [6]The global tourism sector has experienced remarkable expansion, leaving its mark on Nigeria. In 1990, Nigeria introduced its National Tourism Policy with the aim of enhancing its tourism industry. Each year, a significant portion of the world's population engages in unrestricted travel, both domestically and internationally. This growth has, indeed, generated substantial employment opportunities worldwide, bolstered the prosperity of nations, improved balance of payments, and served as a valuable instrument for human development. As stated by the Nigerian Embassy, Nigeria is recognized as a potential tourist haven, characterized by favorable tropical weather, diverse wildlife, breathtaking waterfalls, historical treasures, captivating beaches, and rolling hills.[18]

This remarkable landscape is complemented by the warm and culturally vibrant local population.[18] Nigeria's diverse climate and weather patterns offer a broad spectrum of experiences, from the semi-temperate climate of the Jos Plateau to the north's harmattan haze and the humid conditions prevalent in the south.[18] The country's vegetation is equally diverse, encompassing light shrubs in the arid north to dense mangrove swamps in the south.[18] Despite these remarkable attributes, Nigeria's potential for tourism has been hindered by issues such as social instability, deteriorating infrastructure, corruption, and a lack of national recognition of the social and environmental value of these resources[3]

Nigeria's tourism industry is in the early stages of development, despite the substantial untapped potential and the need for effective institutional management to compete successfully with other rapidly emerging tourism destinations. Various administrations have made significant efforts to establish the industry on the national economic landscape, but it has yet to attain an exclusive and prominent status. The establishment of a robust tourism sector will result in a workforce shift towards tourism services and hospitality.[6] Consequently, it will require a transition towards more eco-friendly and scientifically advanced farming systems, contributing to sustainable economic development.[6] The funding for tourism development in Nigeria can be sourced through various means, including investing in tourism infrastructure, promoting the nation's cultural assets, constructing high-quality hotels, boosting marketing budgets, and encouraging domestic spending of disposable income by Nigerians within the country.

Tourism development in Nigeria encounters significant challenges, including security issues, inadequate maintenance of tourist sites, and suboptimal policy implementation.

• The primary challenge confronting the tourism industry stems from the government's lack of political commitment, leading to various issues within the sector. There is also a pressing demand for a comprehensive review of the national tourism policy to make it more inclusive, wide-ranging, and characterized by effective planning and adaptability. This could involve granting tourism its rightful constitutional status, introducing tourism-related courses at universities, implementing hotel standardization, securing funding, zoning regulations, and other necessary measures.
• Insufficient maintenance of tourist sites is another issue of concern. Nigeria exhibits a subpar culture of preserving its historical and monumental sites, which, if properly maintained, could yield significant revenue for the country. Many of these sites are currently in a state of disrepair, primarily due to the absence of proper and consistent maintenance practices.
• The bane of tourism industry in Nigeria is the dearth of accurate data that are cardinal in government decision-making.[19] The federal Office of Statistics (FOS) has not been able to collate travel data to develop and standardize travel research.[20] To remedy this anomaly, therefore, the federal Office of Statistics (FOS) should compile statistics on international arrivals - tourism expenditures, etc., with a view to measuring travel, recreational, and tourism development.[19]
• Criminal activities within Nigeria have adverse effects on the progress of the tourism industry. The surge in violent crimes, ethnic tensions, and religious conflicts serves as a deterrent for potential tourists. Tourists are naturally drawn to intriguing and safe destinations, and security concerns have a discouraging effect. Moreover, when foreign governments issue travel advisories due to alarming incidents within Nigeria, it further dissuades international tourists from visiting.
• Furthermore, we must emphasize the importance of infrastructure development. This presents a significant challenge in Nigeria. The state of the country's infrastructure is a cause for concern, marked by poorly maintained roads, inadequate access to clean water, erratic power supply, deficient communication networks, and other essential amenities necessary to bolster the tourism industry. Without these fundamental infrastructure elements in place, the tourism sector's growth and success will be severely hindered.
• Another problem is that of poor policies implementation. The processing of Nigerian visa for applicants including independent tourists can take up to four working days which is a sharp contrast to other countries that have been recognized globally for their sterling competencies in the tourism industry. A potential tourist can lodge a visa application to any Thailand embassy and get it next day of application.
• Marketing and promotion present another critical challenge, as the industry has not yet fully harnessed successful promotional and marketing strategies aimed at increasing awareness and reigniting interest in the tourism sector. Effective marketing is essential for attracting both domestic and international tourists. Without well-structured marketing campaigns and strategies, the industry may struggle to reach its full potential.
• Moreover, the hotel model, its structural framework, the integration of technology, and its management approach in Western Europe may require careful consideration when implementing them in our local environment. This does not suggest a wholesale rejection of these concepts but rather emphasizes the importance of adapting and aligning them with our cultural traditions and inclinations.
• The tourism industry grapples with a significant shortage of manpower, which is a vital resource for any business. This scarcity extends to the availability of qualified personnel required to proficiently execute its professional activities. This shortage of skilled professionals can impede the industry's growth and its ability to deliver high-quality services to travelers.
• The issue of corruption has become deeply ingrained in the system to the extent that it is often overlooked as a problem. In some cases, personal connections and familiarity with potential employees take precedence over merit and qualifications when making job appointments.[21] Moreover, when funds are allocated for tourism development plans, those entrusted with managing these funds sometimes divert them for their personal gain rather than the intended purpose of fostering tourism growth. This institutionalized corruption poses a significant obstacle to the effective development of the tourism industry.[21]
• Religion poses an ongoing threat to tourism due to its capacity to incite specific adverse behaviors in individuals.[22] The numerous religious conflicts that have afflicted the country have severely impacted the tourism industry.[22] While these issues were initially concentrated in the northern regions, they have gradually spread to other areas, exemplified by the activities of groups like Boko Haram and cattle herdsmen Militia.[22] As a result of these ongoing religious conflicts, Nigeria is witnessing a gradual erosion of its distinctive cultural and natural attractions.[22] The persistent religious violence has contributed to a politically unstable environment, leading several foreign countries, including the United States, to issue travel warnings for Nigeria.[22]

• CONTRIBUTION OF TOURISM TO GDP AND FDI: Several economic activities need to be established to ensure the effective operation of tourism. Tourism's contribution to Nigeria's GDP, including government revenues from levies on the hospitality sector such as registration and charges, amounted to N1.149 million in 2004.[23] Furthermore, as the number of tourists rises, there is a growing demand for tourism-related amenities and facilities like hotels, bars, casinos, and beaches, necessitating increased investments.[24] The construction phase of tourism requires the involvement of engineers who are tasked with building essential infrastructure. The motivation behind these engineering activities is the prospect of injecting financial resources into the tourism industry. When wealth is distributed widely among the population, government revenues also see an increase since they heavily rely on taxes generated from residents who earn income directly or indirectly from various tourism-related activities. This, in turn, significantly contributes to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which encompasses all earnings generated by both private and public institutions and households. Despite the challenges posed by oil price fluctuations and economic recessions, effective marketing programs for the tourism sector have the potential to not only sustain the economy but also make significant contributions to employment generation, public revenue, infrastructure development, and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
• TOURISM CONTRIBUTION TO EMPLOYMENT: Unemployment is a significant issue in developing nations, and the effective utilization of tourism potential can substantially reduce the unemployment rate.[25]Tourism stands as the foremost global job provider, offering employment opportunities that extend throughout various sectors of the economy, including construction, telecommunications, retail, and manufacturing.[26] Tourism creates jobs for the local community in various sectors, including construction (requiring masons, carpenters, electricians), transportation, hotel services, small-scale businesses, and the overall management of the area.[25] Consequently, it generates a substantial number of jobs, benefiting young individuals, women, and minority populations, whether within small or medium-sized enterprises.[26] Tourism is heavily reliant on human labor, with limited scope for automation or computerization. Employment opportunities within the tourism industry are closely linked to sectors such as hotels, transportation, and telecommunications. Tourism is estimated to be the largest employer of labor in Nigeria, offering employment to millions of people across various sectors, from taxi drivers to bank managers.[27] This widespread impact touches every aspect of people's lives.[27] These opportunities can be part-time or full-time, contributing to local job prospects.[25] In 2009, tourism in Australia directly contributed to 4.7% of total employment in the economy. In contrast, the Travel and Tourism industry in Nigeria was projected to directly create 897,500 jobs in 2012, accounting for only 1.4% of total employment in the country.[23] Nevertheless, the projected number of jobs expected to be generated by tourism in Nigeria for 2012 appears to be relatively low.[23] Considering that the unemployment rate was approximately 23.9 percent in 2012, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics, it is imperative to expedite the development of tourism to address this concerning situation.[28] The accommodation and transportation sectors within tourism are widely recognized as significant generators of employment globally.[28] Besides offering opportunities for highly skilled professionals, the tourism industry also serves as a crucial platform for providing job prospects to individuals with low-skilled backgrounds, minority groups, migrants, young people, the long-term unemployed, and women who opt for part-time work to balance their family responsibilities.

The peak of Obudu Mountain

Kajuru Castle, Kaduna built in 1978. This breathtaking architectural master-piece is a tourist wonder of sorts.

Both rural and urban residents benefit from the income generated by fruits and vegetables, and there is vast industrial potential in the numerous fruit and vegetable varieties found in Nigeria.[22] To achieve the desired enhancement of the nation's image, the media, including newspapers, television, radio, magazines, and international networks, have a pivotal role to play in conveying information.[22] Hence, it is imperative for all media outlets in Nigeria to exercise caution when selecting words and images that shape tourists' perceptions of the country's tourism destinations, particularly in areas marked by religious violence.[22] They should prioritize the promotion of Nigeria's tourism attractions and, in parallel, make sure to portray government initiatives aimed at reestablishing stability in the affected regions alongside any depictions of religious violence scenes.[22]

The tourism industry is regulated by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (Nigeria).[20] In an attempt to raise the profile of the country's tourism sector, a beauty pageant, the Miss Tourism Nigeria Pageant, was created in 2004.[29] The winners in 2004, 2005, and 2006 have been, respectively, Shirley Aghotse,[30] Abigail Longe,[29] and Gloria Zirigbe.[31]

In 2017, Olufeko's research in design and its intersections with anthropology, led to a journey inside Sungbo's Eredo, bringing the rampart's narrative back into social dialogue.[32] Surprisingly, Nigeria's extraordinary biodiversity remains relatively unknown, and even renowned areas such as the Niger Delta lack comprehensive studies and a deep understanding.[3] To unlock and showcase Nigeria's tourism potential, making it a competitive and preferred destination, there is an immediate and pressing need for effective actions in the realm of travel and tourism marketing. Nigeria should diligently examine the success strategies employed by leading African countries in tourism, such as Rwanda, Mauritius, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Morocco, Kenya, and others. Particular attention should be given to their marketing programs and initiatives.

• Visa policy of Nigeria
• List of national parks of Nigeria
• List of museums in Nigeria
• Olumo Rock
• Sungbo's Eredo
• Tarkwa Bay Beach
• Kajuru Castle
• Tinapa Resort

• Official website