In recent years, Nigeria’s tourism industry has been heralded as a potential cornerstone for economic diversification. In 2023, the nation welcomed over 1.2 million international visitors and saw a 20% increase in domestic trips, totaling three million journeys. This surge contributed approximately $17.3 billion to the country’s GDP, accounting for 3.65% of the total, and provided employment for 1.91 million people annually.Despite these promising figures, the 2025 federal budget allocations tell a different story. With a total expenditure of ₦47.9 trillion, the lion’s share is directed towards defense and security (₦4.91 trillion), infrastructure (₦4.06 trillion), health (₦2.48 trillion), and education (₦3.52 trillion). Conspicuously, the tourism sector lacks a dedicated allocation, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to harnessing its full potential.
This oversight is not without consequence. Industry stakeholders lament that a significant portion of the existing tourism budget—approximately 75%—is consumed by recurrent expenditures, leaving a meager fraction for capital projects that could enhance infrastructure and attract more visitors.
The disparity between the sector’s potential and its budgetary support is stark. While the government projects ambitious revenue targets, such as ₦34.82 trillion to fund the 2025 budget, the underfunding of tourism suggests a missed opportunity for sustainable economic growth.
Reflecting on these trends, it’s evident that without strategic investment, Nigeria’s tourism sector may remain an underutilized asset. To unlock its full potential, there is a pressing need for deliberate policy shifts and increased funding that prioritize tourism as a key driver of economic diversification and cultural preservation.
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