Abuja: Stakeholders in Nigeria’s tourism and infrastructure sectors have signed a strategic pact aimed at repositioning the country as a leading global tourism destination in Africa. The agreement, unveiled in Abuja, outlines a framework for infrastructure-driven tourism development to unlock Nigeria’s cultural, historical, and natural assets for domestic and international visitors.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the initiative, known as the National Infrastructural Tourism Development Initiative (NITDI), brings together public and private sector actors to improve infrastructure, enhance visitor experience, and promote sustainable tourism nationwide. It is also expected to set the stage for activities marking the 2026 World Tourism Day, including the Infrastructural Tourism Development Summit scheduled for September 24 in Abuja.
Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the Executive Director of Tourism Volunteers Network, Mr. Phil Roberts, emphasized that infrastructure is critical to transforming tourism sites into viable destinations. Roberts noted that his travel experiences across Nigeria and other countries have shown that deliberate investment in infrastructure is key to building sustainable tourism ecosystems. He identified the major challenge in Nigeria’s tourism sector as the gap between ‘tourism sites’ and ‘tourism destinations’.
Roberts disclosed that Abuja has been designated as a ‘Living Infrastructure Tourism City’ to serve as a pilot for nationwide implementation. He identified key development zones within the Federal Capital Territory to include Aso Rock as an iconic tourism hub, Jabi Lake as a waterfront destination, Maitama and Asokoro as luxury tourism centres, Mpape and Katampe for nature tourism, and Bwari and AMAC for agro-tourism.
Citing countries such as China, Dubai, and the United States, Roberts mentioned how infrastructure has been leveraged to drive tourism growth and economic expansion. He emphasized that with the right infrastructure, Nigeria can become a global destination of choice. However, he noted that access to financing remains a major constraint, limiting investment and growth in the sector.
Roberts added that collaboration with key institutions, including the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority, is crucial in driving policy direction and attracting investment. He stressed the need to integrate tourism into infrastructure and real estate development, proposing that every building should be designed as a potential destination where people can have unique experiences.
The NITDI framework seeks to integrate tourism with infrastructure and real estate, promote sustainable urban development, create jobs, and attract foreign direct investment. Abuja will serve as the pilot city, with plans to extend the initiative to other states through collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies. Roberts announced that the Infrastructural Tourism Development Summit 2026 would be held under the theme: ‘Building Today, Building Tomorrow: Infrastructure for a Stronger Tourism Future’.
In his remarks, Mr. Topsy Essien, the Managing Director of Big Homes Nigeria, expressed the company’s commitment to developing sustainable, tourism-friendly communities. Essien highlighted ongoing projects in Jabi, Dakibiyu, and Durumi, designed as integrated ecosystems combining housing, recreation, healthcare, and commercial services. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to adopt indigenous architectural designs that reflect its culture and climate to attract international tourists.
Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that with the right policies, investments, and collaboration, Nigeria could unlock its tourism potential, reduce capital flight, and emerge as a competitive global destination.