Stakeholders in Nigeria’s tourism industry have raised alarm over the growing security challenges across the country, saying that the situation poses a major threat to the sector’s growth and contribution to the nation’s economy
Stressing that security and safety are essential for a thriving tourism industry, they noted that the security situation in a location directly impacts a traveler’s decision-making process.
The stakeholders gathered in Abuja at the 8th International Hospitality, Tourism, and Eco-Sustainability Forum (IHTEF), with the theme “Innovation, Investment, Security, and Sustainability.”
Speaking, Imo State Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Hospitality, Jerry Egemba, stated that tourism development cannot be achieved without ensuring security and providing key infrastructure.
Egemba said the Imo state government had deployed both kinetic and non-kinetic approach to make the environment safe for tourists..
“Without peace and security, the best tourist attractions will be inaccessible to anybody. As a matter of fact, without peace and security and stability, travel advisories will actually discourage or even prohibit tourists from coming into those areas and the people don’t really invest in the areas where there is instability or insecurity,” he said.
Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, explained that too long, the North’s hospitality potential had remained underdeveloped due to limited investment, infrastructure gaps and security concerns.
Bago, represented by General Manager of the Niger State Tourism Corporation, Zainab Mohammed, noted that the region has unique tourism assets that can drive new waves of sustainable hospitality development.
According to him, hospitality is not a sector in the north, but a way of life, adding that what is needed is the structure and inclusive model that converts the culture of hospitality into a thriving business and a thriving industry.
The governor noted that unlocking the potential means investing in infrastructure such as roads, airports, energy and digital connectivity.
Executive Director of IHTEF Africa, Chibuikem Diala, observed that Nigeria’s hospitality sector has seen significant development in recent years, with new properties and luxurious hotels emerging in cities like Abuja.
“The sector’s growth potential is substantial, driven by a surge in domestic tourism and increasing business travel,” he said.
Diala identified challenges facing the sector, including human capital development, regulation, and funding, maintaining that the estimated value of the hospitality market in Nigeria runs into multi-billions of dollars.
According to him, with the right investment and management, the sector can unlock new opportunities for growth and success.
On his part, First Deputy President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Aliyu Badaki, noted that the tourism master plan encompasses important elements such as policies, standardization, grading, and classification.
He said that while these frameworks are well laid out, many stakeholders tend to prioritise personal gains over the collective growth of the tourism industry, which remains a significant barrier to progress.
Badaki stressed the need for capacity building, explaining that without adequate training, it is difficult for operators to effectively contribute to the sector’s development while further lamenting that the majority of hospitality businesses in the country remain family-run ventures lacking professional management.
Group General Manager of Continental Hotels, Karl Hala, said that training and mentoring young Nigerians were important to provide exceptional service and leadership in the hospitality industry.
