Nigeria is a country with extraordinary potential for tourism. From its breathtaking landscapes to its vibrant cultural heritage and entertainment industry, the country has all the ingredients to become a global tourist destination. Yet, tourism remains an underdeveloped sector, overshadowed by the nation’s reliance on oil revenue.

According to Barr Stephen Anebere who is the principal consultant of Stechin Global a Lagos
based immigration and consultancy firm, recent trends and data illustrate just how transformative tourism can be for Nigeria.

For instance, Lagos has become a hub for entertainment and lifestyle tourism, particularly during the festive season. December events, popularly referred to as “Detty December,” have attracted millions of visitors in recent years.

The nightlife economy, booming short-let rentals, and skyrocketing hotel bookings during this period underscore the potential of tourism to generate massive revenue. The ripple effect of this influx touches multiple sectors — from transportation to food vendors and fashion entrepreneurs — all thriving on the back of tourism.

The success of Lagos’ entertainment-driven economy during December shows what is possible.

It’s time for Nigeria to take tourism seriously — not just as a source of revenue but as a cornerstone for sustainable development, diversifying the economy and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.

If Detty December can attract so much attention and generate billions of naira in revenue, why isn’t Nigeria ready to replicate this success across the country, He asked?

The truth is, Lagos doesn’t have a monopoly on fun or culture. Nigeria is a goldmine of untapped tourism potential. Imagine replicating this success across the country, with destinations like Calabar, Abuja, and Kano becoming hubs for domestic and international tourism.

The economic
benefits would be transformative, creating thousands of jobs and providing an alternative revenue stream to oil.

Detty December has shown us what is possible when tourism is nurtured. It has put Lagos on the map as a vibrant cultural hub, attracting visitors from far and wide. Now is the time to build on this success and scale it across the nation.

For Nigeria to realize its tourism potential, the government must take deliberate steps to invest in.the sector and address key bottlenecks and actively support the sector- especially in the area of obtaining Nigerian tourist visas during this period by foreigners and enhanced security measures.

The government should introduce policies that incentivize investment in resorts, cultural centers, and ecotourism projects. Tax reliefs, grants, and public-private partnerships can encourage innovation and attract the capital needed to build the sector.