The Federal Government has endorsed a new infrastructure-driven tourism development plan aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a leading global destination. This initiative was unveiled during the Official Unveiling of the Infrastructural Tourism Development Plan, a precursor to World Tourism Day 2026, designed to transform Nigeria into a hub for tourism-led investment, sustainable growth, and economic diversification.
National Infrastructural Tourism Development Initiative
The framework, known as the National Infrastructural Tourism Development Initiative (NITDI), outlines a comprehensive roadmap for integrating infrastructure, real estate, and tourism development between 2026 and 2030. Speaking at the event, Director of Tourism Projects and Investment at the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Chris Okafor, expressed confidence in the initiative's success, citing growing collaboration between government and private sector actors. He stated, “We have a very energetic and passionate tourism community, and we are already partnering with key stakeholders to drive this process. This initiative will not fail.”
Okafor noted that the plan seeks to bring tourism from the backstage to the forefront of national development, especially as Nigeria looks beyond oil revenue. He emphasized that tourism development should not be left to government alone, stressing the importance of private sector participation. He said, “Countries without oil are thriving on tourism, while we have been somewhat blindfolded by oil. This is a step in the right direction. It is everybody’s work. When government begins to see the level of activity in the sector, it will key in more strongly. That is how it works globally.” He also disclosed plans to introduce digital tools, including an “African Tourism App,” to promote tourism infrastructure and improve visibility of destinations across the continent.
Abuja Designated as Living Infrastructure Tourism City
Executive Director of the Tourism Volunteers Network, Phil Roberts, stressed that Nigeria must move beyond identifying tourism sites to building functional destinations supported by critical infrastructure. Roberts disclosed that Abuja has been designated a “Living Infrastructure Tourism City,” with structured development zones to maximize its assets, including Aso Rock as an iconic tourism hub; Jabi Lake as a waterfront destination; Maitama and Asokoro as luxury tourism centres; Mpape and Katampe as nature and adventure zones; and Bwari and AMAC as agro-tourism corridors.
“A tourism site remains stagnant, but it becomes a destination when supported with infrastructure—good roads, electricity, housing, internet, food systems and security,” he said. He added that countries such as China, Dubai, and the United States have successfully leveraged infrastructure to drive tourism growth, noting that Nigeria could replicate the model. “We don’t need to take our money abroad for tourism experiences. With the right infrastructure, Nigeria can become the destination the world comes to see,” he added.
Private Sector Investment in Sustainable Communities
Managing Director of Big Homes Nigeria, Topsy Essien, said the company is investing in sustainable, tourism-friendly communities, with ongoing high-rise projects in Jabi, Dakibiyu, and Durumi designed as integrated ecosystems. “Sustainable communities are self-sufficient. They provide everything residents need while also creating attractive environments for visitors,” he said. Essien also called for the adoption of indigenous architectural designs that reflect Nigeria’s culture and climate, noting that originality would enhance the country’s appeal to international tourists. He added that the Infrastructural Tourism Development Summit 2026, scheduled for September 24 in Abuja, would further consolidate efforts to drive investment and policy alignment in the sector.
