Nigeria Pushes for Strong Tourism Sector to Drive Economic Growth, Get the Details Here

Published on November 24, 2025

Nigeria showcases its willingness to attract investments in the tourism industry, as the country seeks to energy its economy away from its heavy dependence on oil. During the Style de Vie Pan African Partnership and Investment Networking event in Abuja, the Federal Government pledged to make tourism more valuable to the economy. The event was attended by African diplomats, investors, and industry leaders to discuss Africa`s expanding tourism potential.

Nigeria seeks to Reform and restructure it self to become a global tourism centre. Targeting investments from the public and private sectors, Nigeria hopes to receive the economic benefits and cultural interaction that is a by product of the tourism industry. Investment in the tourism industry is likely to create employment, improve infrastructure, and increase the country’s earnings.

Focus on Reforms and Investment in Tourism Infrastructure

Abisoye Fagade, the Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), highlighted the government’s strategic focus on reforms designed to make Nigeria’s tourism industry competitive on a global scale. According to Fagade, Nigeria’s tourism sector is entering a new phase where it can play a critical role in national development.

The government’s strategy is aimed at making tourism more attractive to investors, emphasizing that Nigeria is safe for business and open to partnerships. Fagade’s remarks underscored that the challenges facing Nigeria’s tourism sector offer significant opportunities for growth, new investment, and long-term value creation. The government aims to transform the sector into a thriving industry by focusing on restructuring the tourism value chain to improve service standards, enhance visitor experiences, and provide a platform for tourism operators to grow and expand.

Expanding Nigeria’s Tourism Offerings

Nigeria’s diverse geography and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal destination for a wide range of tourism experiences. From safaris in the savannas and agri-tourism in rural regions to hiking in Nigeria’s stunning mountains, the opportunities for investment are vast and varied. The country’s potential extends beyond the typical tourist experience to include eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and adventure travel, catering to a global audience seeking diverse experiences.

As Fagade emphasized, Nigeria’s unique tourism assets are an untapped resource. The country offers natural wonders, including national parks like Yankari National Park and Kainji Lake, as well as cultural landmarks such as the Sukur Cultural Landscape and Olumo Rock. These sites offer rich opportunities for tour operators and investors looking to create specialized travel packages.

The development of tourism infrastructure such as recreational spaces, modern airports, and improved transport networks is essential to meet the growing demand for both domestic and international travel. The government has expressed its commitment to filling these gaps, such as the shortage of recreational spaces in cities like Abuja, by collaborating with private investors, local governments, and industry stakeholders to create more welcoming spaces for tourists.

NIHOTOUR’s Role in Strengthening the Tourism Sector

Over the past 38 years, the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has been at the forefront of efforts to organize and develop Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sectors. According to Fagade, the institute’s ongoing reforms have already shown positive results, including a 300 percent increase in revenue in just one year. This growth is attributed to the value-added services and capacity development initiatives introduced by NIHOTOUR, which aim to improve the quality of service across the tourism chain.

One of the primary goals of NIHOTOUR is to ensure that the tourism sector remains well-organized and efficient. By creating high-quality services and ensuring repeat visits from tourists, Nigeria can build a reputation as a destination that offers memorable experiences. These experiences not only support the tourism industry but also contribute to the country’s overall economic health by encouraging local spending and promoting cultural exchange.

Tourism’s Potential Impact on Local Economy and Employment

A well-developed tourism sector has the potential to provide significant benefits for the local economy. Tourism directly supports job creation, from those working in hotels and restaurants to tour guides, transportation services, and local artisans. As tourism expands, the demand for agricultural products, especially local foods and beverages, will increase, benefiting Nigeria’s agricultural sector and improving the livelihoods of farmers and small businesses across the country.

In addition to the direct economic benefits, the tourism industry can also stimulate growth in related sectors such as real estate, construction, and hospitality. The development of tourism infrastructure such as hotels, resorts, entertainment facilities, and convention centers will create numerous opportunities for investment and job creation in Nigeria’s urban and rural areas.

Increasing Public Awareness of Tourism’s Economic Value

The Nigerian government is focused on raising awareness about the economic potential of tourism. The aim is to encourage more Nigerians to view tourism as a serious business opportunity rather than a secondary industry. The government is working to shift public perceptions, emphasizing that tourism can be a powerful driver of economic growth, similar to sectors like oil and agriculture.

Increased public awareness campaigns, alongside targeted marketing efforts, will help attract local investment and increase participation in the tourism industry. The government’s approach will also involve promoting the country’s tourism potential on global platforms, encouraging international visitors to explore Nigeria’s diverse offerings, from urban experiences in Lagos to cultural experiences in Kano and Jos.

Expanding Pan-African Collaboration in Tourism

The Style de Vie Pan-African Partnership and Investment Networking event, held in Abuja, provided a platform for connecting African diplomats, investors, and tourism professionals across the continent. The event’s aim was to facilitate business matchmaking and establish valuable partnerships to drive investment in Africa’s tourism industry. By rotating the event across different African countries, the initiative will promote collaboration and investment in the continent’s growing tourism sector.

At the event, representatives from Tunisia discussed expanding collaboration with Nigeria in medical tourism, highlighting opportunities for direct flights and strengthening economic ties between the two nations. This partnership underscores the potential for cross-border tourism and collaboration to improve travel between African nations, making the continent more accessible for tourists.

A Bright Future for Nigeria’s Tourism Sector

The Fact that Nigeria is confirming their dedication towards tourism investment is simply Nigeria looking forward towards a more positive possible than before in their branched economic ventures as well as potential sustainable economic growth in other sectors. Nigeria and other countries will be able to make Nigeria a competitive tourist destination as a global player in Nigeria’s place and the reallocation of public Tourism and Travel in Nigeria will be able to achieve Nigeria’s Government Promotion Infrastructure in Nigeria. With the rapid development and exchange of culture in the world, the potential economic growth brings tourism and travel to be the new potential sustainable economic driver in Nigeria and a potential alternative to oil resources.