A growing number of Nigerian holiday-makers are keen to explore their country, although the country has unenviable reputation for violent crime and corruption largely putting off international travelers.
Nigeria thus loses out on tourism revenues compared to other countries, which are perceived to be safer such as Kenya, Ghana and the Gambia.
Small, social media-savvy companies like Social Prefect Tours (SPT) and TVP Adventures are hoping that millennials will form a burgeoning market of tourists wanting to discover the natural beauty and culture in their own backyard.
From lush forests sheltering waterfalls and warm springs in the west to the Alpine-like mountains of the east, from festivals to historical sites, Nigeria boasts of splendid attractions.
But unlike African tourist destinations such as Kenya, South Africa and Tanzania, Nigerian governments have invested little in nurturing the industry.
“The government is more focused on other sources of income and has not really developed the tourist sector,” said Chiamaka Ntia, SPT’s founder.
Information and Culture Minister Lai Mohammed has said that the government has implemented policies including the introduction of visas on arrival last year and it is working on improving the ailing power, road and rail infrastructure to make Nigeria more attractive and safer for overseas travelers.
