Trade & Investment

Tourism

The giant of Africa, Nigeria leaves every visitor breathing hard with anticipation and exhilaration. It has become an untapped tourist paradise with long stretches of exotic beaches, lush mountains, well-preserved tradition and culture and captivating tourist attractions. Nigeria is, indeed, quickly becoming a destination of choice for international tourists. There are a few reasons behind this, most important of which are the country’s hospitable people as well as the government’s success recently in providing infrastructure especially, roads, and rail, though power remains a challenge but no stone is being left unturned in the effort to eliminate the power deficit challenge. The heritage of Nigeria has its glowing cultural and historical background to bank upon.
One of the main aspects of Nigerian heritage lies in the fact that it offers an astonishing sight of the traditional Nigerian life style and its different facets, well preserved through monuments. It is a multicultural society with over 250 languages. The Nigerian society is a reflection of its rich cultural heritage, which dates back to more than 2,000 years. Nigeria’s feather in the cap was the surprise visit by the French President, Emmanuel Macron to the African Shrine in Lagos in July, 2018. The visit was an indication that Nigeria was now set to receive global tourists.
And when it comes to festivals, Nigeria is not lacking. From the Argungu Fishing Festival to Osun Osogbo Festival, Abuja Carnival, Calabar Christmas Carnival, Cross Rivers State Carnival, Eyo Festival, Igue Festival, Ojude Oba Festival, Badagry Festival, Durba Festival, almost every state in the country hosts one or other festivals round the year. Protected areas such as Cross River National Park and Yankari Games Reserve have rare primate habitats and unparalleled scenic beauty. One of the most distinct sites is Zuma Rock, a 725-metre-tall monolith outside the capital of Abuja that’s pictures on the national currency. Visiting Zuma Rock between April and October, which marks the rainy season in central Nigeria where the rock is situated, affords one the opportunity of seeing the much talked about Zuma Rock Fire, as the apex of the rock catches fire during heavy rains. Over time, this has remained one of the wonders of the Zuma Rock.
You may also experience nature in the country’s biggest wildlife retreat – the Yankari Games Reserve, in Bauchi State, North-Eastern Nigeria. The reserve is simply captivating! Marvel at the largest herd of elephants in the country, embark on a guided safari tour, and explore the tropical forests. While in Nigeria, be sure to visit the Lekki Conservation Centre — one of the best nature reserves situated in the country’s former capital city of Lagos, its commercial nerve centre. The 21-year-old conservation centre- cum nature hub is run and managed by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF). Generally regarded as an icon of nature conservation, LCC represents the flagship project of Nigeria Conservation Foundation for the preservation of unique biodiversity, scenic, natural, scientific recreational values of the coastal environs of western Nigeria. Of course, there are many more sites to make your Nigeria experience complete.
In the words of Binyavanga Wainaina, one of Africa’s most celebrated writers, ‘there is no country in the world with the diversity, confidence, talent, and black pride like Nigeria’. The word ‘giant’ is in general used to depict anything that is legendary, powerful, significant, reputed, and of great size. With this definition in mind, it becomes much easier to understand why Nigeria is referred to as the ‘Giant of Africa’. It is because of its population, military strength, abundant human and natural resources, and for having Africa’s largest economy. In terms of its geographical size, population and economy, Nigeria is a force to be reckoned with. Now the continent’s biggest economy, Nigeria has undergone many changes in recent times. Nigeria is the most flourishing economy in Africa with a remarkable GDP growth rate. With a population that could become the third largest in the world by 2050, Nigeria presents a large market of consumers. It has a mixed economy and an emerging market with expanding financial, service, communications, technology, and entertainment sectors.

For more information, please visit
www.fmic.gov.ng