Tourism contributes below 4% to Nigeria’s economy – Firm

Despite tourism contributing nearly 10 per cent to global GDP, it accounts for less than four per cent of Nigeria’s economy, highlighting untapped potential in the sector, a travel firm has noted.

In a statement, it was noted that in a bid to reposition Nigeria’s cultural tourism sector, a new heritage travel initiative kicked off with a scenic train tour from Lagos to Abeokuta, organised by recently launched travel firm Grandeur Signature Travel & Tours.

It stated, “The one-day tour marked the debut of the company’s cultural travel experience, designed to blend modern comfort with deep cultural exploration. Guests on the inaugural trip travelled via train to Ogun State’s capital, where they explored key historical landmarks such as Olumo Rock, Alake’s Palace, the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, the Centenary Hall, and the Itoku Market, known for its traditional ‘adire’ (tie-and-dye) fabric trade.

“Industry observers believe that initiatives like these could spark renewed interest in regional tourism circuits across Nigeria. Analysts note that tourism contributes roughly 10 per cent to global GDP but accounts for a much smaller portion of Nigeria’s economy.

“According to data from the World Travel & Tourism Council, cultural tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments globally. In Nigeria, where tourism accounts for less than four per cent of GDP, new experiential models may offer a way forward.”

Speaking to reporters and tourists during the tour, the founder of Grandeur Signature Travel & Tours, Yemisi Shyllon, emphasised that the goal of the new initiative was not just sightseeing but fostering deeper cultural engagement and offering a more structured approach to domestic tourism.

“It is essential we create experiences that connect people, especially Nigerians in the diaspora, to the nation’s cultural legacy. Tourism experts have long cited Nigeria’s underutilised heritage assets as a missed opportunity in the country’s economic development. Despite being home to several historically rich states, including Ogun, the industry faces challenges such as poor infrastructure and limited tour programming.

“With an itinerary curated around cultural landmarks, the new tour model offers what organisers call a “storytelling approach” to travel. Each location is selected not only for its appeal but also for its historical relevance. Tour participants also interacted with local artisans and markets; a move organisers say contributes to the economic activity of host communities.

“Beyond cultural education, the trip also incorporated elements of comfort and premium service, with private buses taking guests around Abeokuta, lunch provided, and guided storytelling at each stop. Priced at N100,000 per participant, the package includes travel, entry fees, curated guides, and branded kits for guests.”

A lifestyle and tourist curator, Lucy Abena, noted that if scaled properly, tours can be a driver for job creation and economic diversification: “They stimulate sectors such as hospitality, transportation, retail, and even content creation.”

The statement further noted that Grandeur Signature’s entry into the market also reflects a broader trend of diaspora Nigerians seeking more meaningful connections to their heritage.

It added, “As global mobility increases, many second- and third-generation Nigerians living abroad are actively exploring their cultural roots, which is a niche the tour aims to serve. Though Grandeur’s project is still in its infancy, stakeholders say its early execution demonstrates the growing demand for locally grounded but globally appealing tourism options.”

The statement further added, “While speaking with some of the tourists during the tour, the prevailing sentiment was one of rediscovery.

“As Nigeria works to diversify its economy, cultural tourism may emerge as a strategic asset. The Lagos-Abeokuta heritage tour, with its mix of rail nostalgia, curated storytelling, and royal touchpoints, suggests that the path to sustainable tourism could lie not in reinventing the wheel, but in revisiting our roots.”

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).