Nigeria Takes Bold Steps to Strengthen Tourism Sector with National Policy Focused on Economic Growth, Job Creation and Cultural Preservation

Published on November 19, 2025

Nigeria is poised to make significant strides in its tourism sector with the introduction of a new National Tourism Policy, designed to bolster the nation’s economic growth, create jobs, and preserve its rich cultural heritage. As the country moves away from its reliance on oil, the government has identified tourism as a key sector capable of driving sustainable development. With a clear roadmap in place, the policy aims to unlock Nigeria’s untapped tourism potential, attract both local and international visitors, and establish the country as a leading destination on the global tourism map.

The policy, which has been in development for years, is set to reshape the landscape of Nigeria’s tourism industry. As oil revenues become less predictable, the government has identified tourism as a key sector that can generate substantial revenue, create jobs, and improve the nation’s infrastructure, with both domestic and international visitors benefiting from the investments.

Tourism as a Pillar of Economic Diversification

Tourism has long been an underutilized resource in Nigeria, but with the launch of the National Tourism Policy, the government aims to change this. By positioning tourism as a core pillar of economic diversification, Nigeria seeks to tap into its rich cultural and natural assets, which have the potential to attract millions of tourists from around the globe.

The policy is designed to streamline efforts across all levels of government, ensuring that initiatives to develop tourism are coordinated and aligned with broader economic objectives. With this roadmap in place, the government is confident that the tourism sector will play a critical role in Nigeria’s economic future, offering new avenues for revenue generation and reducing the country’s dependence on oil.

Key Tourism Projects Driving Development

One of the flagship projects under the National Tourism Policy is the redevelopment of Obudu Mountain Resort, a well-known destination in southeastern Nigeria. Obudu has long been a favored getaway for those seeking a scenic retreat, and the government is now investing heavily in its revitalization. A private-sector-funded airport at the resort is nearing completion, which will improve access to the area and attract more visitors from both within Nigeria and abroad.

Alongside the airport, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is funding a 2.5-megawatt electricity supply to power the resort, further enhancing its capacity to accommodate tourists. The Nigerian government has also allocated ₦5 billion to modernize the infrastructure surrounding the resort, including roads, accommodations, and tourist facilities.

These upgrades are expected to turn Obudu into a world-class tourism hub, and the government plans to replicate this model in other key tourist destinations across the country. The focus is on developing both natural attractions and cultural heritage sites, creating a robust and diverse tourism portfolio that can cater to different visitor interests.

Public-Private Partnerships: A Road to Success

The government recognizes that public-private partnerships are crucial to the success of Nigeria’s tourism sector. Collaboration between public entities and private investors will drive growth, improve service quality, and help finance large-scale tourism projects. By leveraging the strengths of both sectors, Nigeria hopes to attract international investments while simultaneously developing local enterprises and fostering economic growth at the regional level.

States play an essential role in Nigeria’s tourism ecosystem, each offering unique cultural and natural attractions that can generate local revenue, create jobs, and support regional economies. The National Tourism Policy encourages states to collaborate with the private sector to harness these opportunities and ensure that the benefits of tourism are felt across all regions of the country.

Abuja’s Strategic Role in Tourism Development

As the country’s capital, Abuja plays a central role in Nigeria’s tourism vision. The government is committed to maintaining the integrity of Abuja’s master plan while ensuring the city becomes an attractive destination for international conferences, business events, and leisure tourism. By improving infrastructure and focusing on preserving public spaces, Abuja is being positioned as a key hub for both business and tourism.

Abuja’s status as a political and administrative center provides a unique opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s development to the world. The city’s transformation into a world-class destination for tourists is a priority for the government, and efforts to develop its tourism infrastructure will be key to attracting both international and domestic visitors.

A Commitment to Sustainable Tourism Growth

Sustainability is at the heart of the National Tourism Policy. The Nigerian government is committed to ensuring that the growth of the tourism sector benefits both the economy and the environment. The policy emphasizes the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, wildlife, and natural landscapes while also ensuring that tourism activities are economically viable in the long term.

Efforts will be made to protect Nigeria’s most valuable tourism assets, including historical sites, national parks, and natural wonders, ensuring they remain accessible to future generations. By focusing on sustainable tourism practices, the government aims to develop a sector that contributes positively to the environment, local communities, and the nation’s economy.

A Bright Future for Nigeria’s Tourism Sector

With the National Tourism Policy set to be finalized, Nigeria is preparing to embark on a new chapter in its tourism development. The policy promises to unlock significant economic potential, improve the nation’s infrastructure, and create new job opportunities. As the government invests in key tourism projects, such as Obudu Mountain Resort, and fosters public-private partnerships, the sector is poised to become one of the country’s most important sources of revenue.

The successful implementation of the National Tourism Policy will help to establish Nigeria as a competitive global tourism destination, attracting visitors from around the world and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector. With the right investments and strategic planning, Nigeria’s tourism industry is poised for a prosperous future, one that will benefit the economy, local communities, and international travelers alike.