Tourism in Nigeria

A View from one of the stations of Olumo Rock

In the year 1914, a new nation-state was born. It was a product of an amalgamation of the Southern and Northern Protectorates made up of territories that were previously ruled by empires, kingdoms, dynasties and strong knit familial communities. That union was renamed the colony called Nigeria, and mid-wifed by Sir Frederick Lugard. Though British Rule continued from that historic moment for almost fifty years, the nation eventually rode on the agitations for self-rule by nationalists movements of the time, to independence in 1960.   

The amalgamation, one of the hallmarks of Nigerian history, was beyond the signing of a document that unified the two protectorates. It sought to give many people of diverse cultures, language, dialects, religions and norms, a singular identity; the Nigerian identity that would be strong in diversity. 

Though it was also the harbinger of many experiences for Nigeria, one of the arguably unsung advantages it has provided is an opportunity to tap the potentials of a hugely, diversified tourism industry. In the six regions of Nigeria, there are several sites capable of attracting and holding tourists from all over the world, spellbound with historical value, inexplicable expressions of nature, and breathtaking cultural paraphernalia. 

Sadly, the tourism potential of the nation has been grossly under-tapped. Governments at all levels need to muster the right socio-economic direction that can translate into policies that will ensure that the country's tourism potential becomes a big contributor to national GDP. 

Below is an inexhaustive list of some of such sites:

Agodi Gardens

Bar Beach, Lagos

Chad Basin

Cross River National Park

Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls

Gurara Waterfalls

Idanre Hills

Ikogosi Warm Springs

Kainji National Park

Kajuru Castle

Mambilla Plateau

Mandara Mountains

Obudu Cattle Ranch

Okomu Forest Reserve

Okomu National Park

Olumo Rock

Oron Museum

Osun-Osogbo

Yankari National Park

Zuma Rock

Visit timbu.com/nigeria to explore more interesting facts and information about Nigeria. 

Dennis Etiwe