Stakeholders sign MoU to reposition Nigeria as global tourism destination

A coalition of tourism and real estate stakeholders has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a leading global tourism destination in Africa through infrastructure-driven development. The agreement, unveiled in Abuja, was signed by Phil Roberts, Convener of the forthcoming Infrastructural Tourism Development Summit and representative of tourism stakeholders, alongside Big […]

A coalition of tourism and real estate stakeholders has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a leading global tourism destination in Africa through infrastructure-driven development.

The agreement, unveiled in Abuja, was signed by Phil Roberts, Convener of the forthcoming Infrastructural Tourism Development Summit and representative of tourism stakeholders, alongside Big Homes Ltd, representing real estate practitioners.

The pact establishes a strategic framework to unlock Nigeria’s vast cultural, historical, and natural assets by prioritising infrastructure, enhancing visitor experiences, and promoting sustainable tourism practices nationwide.

The initiative, known as the National Infrastructural Tourism Development Initiative (NITDI), comes ahead of World Tourism Day 2026 and lays the groundwork for the Infrastructural Tourism Development Summit scheduled for September 24 in Abuja.

Speaking at the signing, Roberts, who is also Executive Director of the Tourism Volunteers Network, emphasised that infrastructure remains the backbone of any thriving tourism ecosystem.

Drawing from his travel experiences across Nigeria and beyond—including road trips from Abuja to Delta State and an attempted drive to Ethiopia—he said such journeys revealed how countries deliberately build and sustain tourism-friendly environments.

According to him, a key challenge in Nigeria is the gap between “tourism sites” and “tourism destinations.”

“A tourism site remains stagnant, but it becomes a destination when supported by infrastructure—good roads, electricity, housing, internet, food systems, and security,” he said.

Roberts disclosed that Abuja has been designated a “Living Infrastructure Tourism City,” serving as a pilot for nationwide replication.

He outlined development zones within the Abuja master plan, including Aso Rock as an iconic tourism zone; Jabi Lake as a waterfront and blue economy hub; Maitama and Asokoro as luxury tourism and experiential real estate centres; Mpape and Katampe as nature and adventure tourism zones; and Bwari and AMAC as agro-tourism and rural development areas.

He said the structured zoning approach is designed to maximise the capital’s natural, cultural, and infrastructural assets.

Citing global examples such as China, Dubai, and the United States, Roberts noted that infrastructure has been effectively leveraged in those countries to drive tourism growth and economic expansion.

“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.

He identified the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority as a key institution for driving investment and policy direction, while also highlighting limited access to financing as a major constraint in the sector.

Roberts further underscored the role of real estate in tourism development, noting that infrastructure must go beyond basic construction to include destination-oriented designs.

“Every building should be designed as a potential destination—places people can visit, experience, and even pay to access,” he said.

He added that cities like Dubai and major destinations in China generate significant revenue by transforming infrastructure into attractions, a model Nigeria can adopt.

The NITDI framework aims to integrate tourism, real estate, and infrastructure; promote sustainable urban development; drive job creation; and attract foreign direct investment.

Abuja has been selected as the pilot city, with plans for expansion to other states through collaboration with federal ministries and agencies.

Roberts also announced that the 2026 summit will be held to commemorate World Tourism Day under the theme: “Building Today, Building Tomorrow: Infrastructure for a Stronger Tourism Future.”

In his remarks, Managing Director of Big Homes Nigeria, Topsy Essien, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to developing sustainable, tourism-friendly communities.

He disclosed ongoing high-rise projects in Abuja locations including Jabi, Dakibiyu, and Durumi, designed as integrated ecosystems combining housing, recreation, healthcare, and commercial services.

“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 architectural designs that reflect Nigeria’s culture and climate, rather than replicating foreign models.

Stakeholders said originality in infrastructure would enhance Nigeria’s appeal to international tourists seeking authentic experiences.

They expressed optimism that with the right policies, investments, and collaboration, Nigeria can unlock its tourism potential, reduce capital flight, and emerge as a world-class destination.