Estate Firm, Stakeholders Partner To Transform Nigeria’s Tourism Sector

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s tourism and real estate sectors have taken steps to reposition the country as a leading global tourism destination through a new infrastructure-driven development framework.

The initiative, unveiled in Abuja, is anchored on the National Infrastructural Tourism Development Initiative (NITDI), which seeks to unlock Nigeria’s cultural, historical and natural assets for both domestic and international visitors.

The framework, developed through collaboration between public and private sector players, focuses on improving critical infrastructure, enhancing tourist experiences and promoting sustainable tourism practices across the country.

Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Executive Director of the Tourism Volunteers Network, Phil Roberts, said infrastructure remains the backbone of any thriving tourism industry.

He noted that one of the major challenges confronting Nigeria’s tourism sector is the gap between “tourism sites” and “tourism destinations.”

“A tourism site remains static, but it becomes a destination when supported with infrastructure such as 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 model for nationwide replication.

The MoU was signed between Roberts, representing tourism stakeholders, and Big Homes Nigeria, representing real estate practitioners.

He outlined key tourism development zones within the Federal Capital Territory, including Aso Rock as an iconic tourism hub; Jabi Lake as a waterfront and blue economy destination; Maitama and Asokoro as luxury tourism hubs; Mpape and Katampe as nature and adventure zones; and Bwari and AMAC as agro-tourism centres.

According to him, the zoning model is designed to maximise the capital city’s natural and infrastructural assets while creating diverse tourism experiences.

Roberts cited countries such as China, Dubai and the United States as examples where infrastructure development has been effectively leveraged to drive tourism growth.

“With the right infrastructure, Nigeria can become a destination the world comes to see,” he said.

He also stressed the need for stronger collaboration with regulatory institutions such as the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority to drive policy direction and attract investment.

Roberts identified limited access to financing as a major constraint, noting that it has hindered investors and operators from scaling their activities in the sector.

Stakeholders further highlighted the critical role of real estate in tourism development, emphasising that infrastructure must be designed to deliver experiential value.

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

The NITDI framework aims to integrate tourism, real estate and infrastructure development, promote sustainable urban planning, create jobs and attract foreign direct investment.
Abuja has been selected as the pilot city, with plans to expand the model to other states through collaboration with federal ministries and agencies.

Roberts also announced that the Infrastructural Tourism Development Summit 2026 will hold on September 24 in Abuja to mark World Tourism Day 2026, 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 that ongoing projects in Jabi, Dakibiyu and Durumi are being designed as integrated ecosystems combining housing, recreation, healthcare and commercial services.

Essien also called for the adoption of architectural designs that reflect Nigeria’s culture and climate, noting that originality would enhance the country’s appeal to international tourists.

Stakeholders expressed optimism that with the right policies, investment and collaboration, Nigeria can unlock its tourism potential, reduce capital flight and emerge as a competitive global destination.