Tourism: Nigeria’s Next Big Industry in the Making

Nigeria is steadily positioning its tourism sector as a major engine of economic growth, with new policies, infrastructure, and cultural recognition driving renewed optimism. For decades, Africa’s largest economy has relied heavily on oil revenues, but recent government and private sector efforts suggest that tourism may soon become the country’s next big industry.

One of the most significant developments this year is the decision to automate the short-stay visa process. Under the new system, visitors will be able to apply online and receive approval within 24 to 48 hours. The visas will be delivered electronically, eliminating the need for physical stickers.

Authorities say the move is designed to improve ease of doing business and make Nigeria a more attractive destination for both leisure and business travelers.

Despite its rich cultural and natural endowments, Nigeria has long struggled to attract large numbers of international visitors. From the sandy beaches along its Atlantic coast, to biodiversity hotspots, to the rare, suspended lake of Ado-Awaye in Oyo State, the country boasts unique attractions.

Yet in 2023, Nigeria recorded just 1.2 million international arrivals, far behind regional competitors such as Kenya and South Africa. Analysts and stakeholders often cite poor infrastructure, security concerns, high costs, and weak marketing as barriers that have kept the industry from reaching its full potential.

The federal government is working to change that narrative. Earlier this year, it approved the creation of a Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation, an ambitious project aimed at generating up to $100 billion in revenue while creating more than two million jobs.

Planned projects under this initiative include luxury resorts in Abuja, a national museum, expanded cinema infrastructure, and even the “Creator City” near Aso Rock, envisioned as a cultural hub blending technology, arts, and entertainment.

Beyond government initiatives, the private sector is also playing an increasingly central role. The WelcomeToNigeria Expo 2025 brought together industry players, policymakers, and investors to set a national agenda for tourism-driven economic growth. Stakeholders at the event emphasized the importance of building stronger infrastructure, improving safety, and tapping into Nigeria’s vibrant cultural offerings as part of a strategy to compete on the global stage.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the industry has the potential to double available jobs in Nigeria by 2032, adding as many as 2.6 million new opportunities.

Its contribution to GDP, which stood at 2.8 percent in 2020, is projected to grow to nearly 4.9 percent by 2032 if current trends continue. That level of growth would not only diversify the economy but also provide opportunities for communities across the country.

There are already signs of progress. UNESCO recently inscribed the Kano Durbar Festival onto its list of intangible cultural heritage, giving global recognition to one of Nigeria’s most colorful cultural traditions.

Infrastructure projects such as the $3 billion Eastern Rail Corridor and the $700 million Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway are also expected to open up access to secondary cities and underserved regions, paving the way for tourism growth. In addition, West Africa’s largest water park, Park Vega, recently opened with international certification, offering a new world-class attraction.

Industry observers note that trends such as boutique and experiential stays, eco-lodges, and “bleisure” travel—where visitors combine business with leisure—are becoming more visible across Nigeria. Secondary cities such as Ibadan, Enugu, Calabar, and Jos are also rising as important cultural and historical hubs, further expanding the country’s tourism map.

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The potential is undeniable. With its vast cultural heritage, festivals, arts scene, and natural wonders, Nigeria has the resources to become one of Africa’s leading destinations.

However, realizing this vision will require sustained investment, consistent security improvements, better international branding, and policies that make it easier for travelers to explore the country.

For now, Nigeria’s tourism sector remains a work in progress, but momentum is clearly building. If the current pace of reform and investment continues, tourism may indeed emerge as the next big industry that helps drive the nation’s future.