Problems Hindering Tourism in Nigeria & Solutions
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Nigeria’s tourism sector is scandalously under-developed. Nigeria is
home to a diverse number of ethnic groups, cultures, and rich cultural
heritage. There are groups who have a history of engaging in pottery
and carvings, artifacts, etc. There are also natural tourist centres
like the Olumo Rock in Ogun State, Yankari Game Reserve and resort in
Bauchi State, Obudu Mountain Resort in Cross Rivers state, etc. There
are also cultural events such as festivals like the Calabar Carnival
and Eyo Masquerade festival etc.
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One who decides to go on a tour to any country will definitely weigh
the pros and cons of his destination. Is it any surprise that many
foreigners refuse to choose Nigeria as their tourist destination? The
tourism industry in Nigeria has a host of simple and multi-layered
problems. This article highlights the problems of the tourism industry
and also solutions to these problems
Problems Hindering Tourism in Nigeria & Solutions
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Insecurity
Over the years, Nigeria has battled its own share of security
challenges such as terrorism, robberies, kidnappings etc. All these
contribute to Nigeria’s problems in the tourism sector. No visitor
would want to visit a country if they knew they were not so secure in
it. This makes Nigeria an unlikely choice for foreigners when
selecting a place to tour. The concerns of foreigners about the
security challenges in Nigeria negatively affects the growth of the
tourism industry in Nigeria.
Lack of proper management
Most tourist attractions in Nigeria are poorly managed. Areas such as
beaches, waterfalls, mountains and hills are usually deserted,
overcrowded, or lack basic amenities. It is so sad and such a pity
that even many Nigerians do not fancy the tourist centres in their own
country.
Lack of adequate medical/health care facilities
Nigeria has a poor health care system. This is worsened by the
practice of elites in Nigeria who travel abroad for medical attention
and treatment. This gives the image of an unreliable health care
system in the country. If tourists are not assured of good medical
treatment, they would be discouraged from traveling to Nigeria.
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Multiple taxations by governments
One of the biggest setbacks to businesses and particularly in the
tourism industry is the issue of multiple taxations at both federal
and state levels of government. Many businesses in the private tourism
sector such as hotels and resorts have had their businesses closed
down because of the manner in which the government seeks ways to milk
them dry. Thus, the tourism industry does not grow as investors are
scared away by the tax system while and those in operation find it
extremely difficult.
In spite of the fact that operators in the private tourism sector are
presently the largest financial investors in Nigeria’s tourism
industry, the government does not offer any incentives such as the
acquisition of lands and assets, provision of basic utilities, etc to
serve as compensation for the hundreds of millions of Naira invested
in the tourism sector. This is especially true for local businesses
who are often driven to bankruptcy and have to close their businesses.
The tax system is supposed to support businesses and not
Lack of infrastructure at most tourist sites
The lack of basic amenities and infrastructures across the country is
enough to stifle the growth of the tourism industry in Nigeria. Most
road networks in Nigeria are bad and not motorable due to erosions and
potholes. This includes roads that lead to tourist attractions with
huge potentials. Basic infrastructures to include electricity, water,
etc. are mostly poorly maintained. The Nigerian government often
focuses on the urban areas even in the formulation of policies while
neglecting the fact that major tourist attractions that would generate
revenue for the government are located in rural communities far from
cities. Many of these rural communities lack basic amenities.
Bad image and perception of Nigeria by foreigners
The perception of Nigerians abroad is a very sad one. Many see the
country as a nation of fraudsters and criminals. Indeed, there are
many Nigerians who engage in fraudulent activities, but this is true
of all nations of the world. In fact, many countries with
fast-developing tourism industries have higher crime rates than
Nigeria. The difference however is that these other countries control
narratives of their countries through broadcast and mass media. The
problem of the poor perception of Nigerians can be addressed through
effective public communications campaign by the Ministry of
Information in partnership with the Federal Ministry of tourism. The
ministry of information should come up with campaigns to be executed
on media channels so as to counter their negative perception about
Nigerians. This will help change the perception of foreigners about
Nigerians and further encourage foreigners to visit Nigeria.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Solutions to problems of Tourism in Nigeria
Research and Audit
The first step to be taken in order to revive the tourism industry in
Nigeria is that research and audit of tourist attractions in Nigeria
should be done so the Ministry of Tourism can know the state of
tourism assets in Nigeria and if it has commercial value. This
research and audit should be done by both local and international
experts, tourism-friendly governments, and tourism service provider
associations in Nigeria.
Identification of market
The government needs to identify both domestic and international
markets for the tourism industry in Nigeria.
Policies and laws that encourage the private tourism sector
Government policies and laws that will encourage the private tourism
sector and foreign investment in tourism should be adopted and
implemented. One of the ways the government can encourage the
participation of the private sector in tourism is through loan
guarantees and tax exemptions. Areas that need investment in Nigeria
include natural tourist sites, availability of equipment, etc.
Provision of Amenities
Development of basic infrastructures in Nigeria such as good roads,
clean water, electricity, etc.
Encouragement of domestic tourism
Nigerians should be encouraged to visit tourist sites within the
nation instead of having to spend so much and invest in other foreign
countries. This will reduce the millions of both Naira and Dollars
spent on vacations in foreign countries. It will also provide more
employment opportunities in Nigeria.
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Nigeria’s tourism sector is scandalously under-developed. Nigeria is
home to a diverse number of ethnic groups, cultures, and rich cultural
heritage. There are groups who have a history of engaging in pottery
and carvings, artifacts, etc. There are also natural tourist centres
like the Olumo Rock in Ogun State, Yankari Game Reserve and resort in
Bauchi State, Obudu Mountain Resort in Cross Rivers state, etc. There
are also cultural events such as festivals like the Calabar Carnival
and Eyo Masquerade festival etc.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
One who decides to go on a tour to any country will definitely weigh
the pros and cons of his destination. Is it any surprise that many
foreigners refuse to choose Nigeria as their tourist destination? The
tourism industry in Nigeria has a host of simple and multi-layered
problems. This article highlights the problems of the tourism industry
and also solutions to these problems
Problems Hindering Tourism in Nigeria & Solutions
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Insecurity
Over the years, Nigeria has battled its own share of security
challenges such as terrorism, robberies, kidnappings etc. All these
contribute to Nigeria’s problems in the tourism sector. No visitor
would want to visit a country if they knew they were not so secure in
it. This makes Nigeria an unlikely choice for foreigners when
selecting a place to tour. The concerns of foreigners about the
security challenges in Nigeria negatively affects the growth of the
tourism industry in Nigeria.
Lack of proper management
Most tourist attractions in Nigeria are poorly managed. Areas such as
beaches, waterfalls, mountains and hills are usually deserted,
overcrowded, or lack basic amenities. It is so sad and such a pity
that even many Nigerians do not fancy the tourist centres in their own
country.
Lack of adequate medical/health care facilities
Nigeria has a poor health care system. This is worsened by the
practice of elites in Nigeria who travel abroad for medical attention
and treatment. This gives the image of an unreliable health care
system in the country. If tourists are not assured of good medical
treatment, they would be discouraged from traveling to Nigeria.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Multiple taxations by governments
One of the biggest setbacks to businesses and particularly in the
tourism industry is the issue of multiple taxations at both federal
and state levels of government. Many businesses in the private tourism
sector such as hotels and resorts have had their businesses closed
down because of the manner in which the government seeks ways to milk
them dry. Thus, the tourism industry does not grow as investors are
scared away by the tax system while and those in operation find it
extremely difficult.
In spite of the fact that operators in the private tourism sector are
presently the largest financial investors in Nigeria’s tourism
industry, the government does not offer any incentives such as the
acquisition of lands and assets, provision of basic utilities, etc to
serve as compensation for the hundreds of millions of Naira invested
in the tourism sector. This is especially true for local businesses
who are often driven to bankruptcy and have to close their businesses.
The tax system is supposed to support businesses and not
Lack of infrastructure at most tourist sites
The lack of basic amenities and infrastructures across the country is
enough to stifle the growth of the tourism industry in Nigeria. Most
road networks in Nigeria are bad and not motorable due to erosions and
potholes. This includes roads that lead to tourist attractions with
huge potentials. Basic infrastructures to include electricity, water,
etc. are mostly poorly maintained. The Nigerian government often
focuses on the urban areas even in the formulation of policies while
neglecting the fact that major tourist attractions that would generate
revenue for the government are located in rural communities far from
cities. Many of these rural communities lack basic amenities.
Bad image and perception of Nigeria by foreigners
The perception of Nigerians abroad is a very sad one. Many see the
country as a nation of fraudsters and criminals. Indeed, there are
many Nigerians who engage in fraudulent activities, but this is true
of all nations of the world. In fact, many countries with
fast-developing tourism industries have higher crime rates than
Nigeria. The difference however is that these other countries control
narratives of their countries through broadcast and mass media. The
problem of the poor perception of Nigerians can be addressed through
effective public communications campaign by the Ministry of
Information in partnership with the Federal Ministry of tourism. The
ministry of information should come up with campaigns to be executed
on media channels so as to counter their negative perception about
Nigerians. This will help change the perception of foreigners about
Nigerians and further encourage foreigners to visit Nigeria.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Solutions to problems of Tourism in Nigeria
Research and Audit
The first step to be taken in order to revive the tourism industry in
Nigeria is that research and audit of tourist attractions in Nigeria
should be done so the Ministry of Tourism can know the state of
tourism assets in Nigeria and if it has commercial value. This
research and audit should be done by both local and international
experts, tourism-friendly governments, and tourism service provider
associations in Nigeria.
Identification of market
The government needs to identify both domestic and international
markets for the tourism industry in Nigeria.
Policies and laws that encourage the private tourism sector
Government policies and laws that will encourage the private tourism
sector and foreign investment in tourism should be adopted and
implemented. One of the ways the government can encourage the
participation of the private sector in tourism is through loan
guarantees and tax exemptions. Areas that need investment in Nigeria
include natural tourist sites, availability of equipment, etc.
Provision of Amenities
Development of basic infrastructures in Nigeria such as good roads,
clean water, electricity, etc.
Encouragement of domestic tourism
Nigerians should be encouraged to visit tourist sites within the
nation instead of having to spend so much and invest in other foreign
countries. This will reduce the millions of both Naira and Dollars
spent on vacations in foreign countries. It will also provide more
employment opportunities in Nigeria.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
jQuery(document).ready(function( $) { $.post(
'https://nigerianfinder.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php', {action:
'mts_view_count', id: '291040'}); });
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