A general view of Idanre hills on August 25, 2018 in Idanre, Nigeria. / AFP PHOTO / Florian PLAUCHEUR

The Nigeria High Commission in the United Kingdom has said that with the development in the country’s tourism policies and programmes, Nigeria will become the Ultimate Tourism Destination in Africa.

According to the High Commission, Nigeria offers a wide variety of tourist attractions such as extended and roomy river and ocean beaches ideal for swimming and other water sports, unique wildlife, vast tracts of unspoiled nature ranging from tropical forests, magnificent waterfalls, some new rapidly growing cities and climatic conditions in some parts particularly conducive to holidaying. Other attractions include traditional ways of life preserved in local customs; rich and varied handicrafts and other colourful products depicting or illustrative of native arts and lifestyle, and the authentic unsophisticated, but friendly attitude of Nigerians. The High Commission, however, noted that many of these attractions are still largely untapped and even at their raw, undeveloped state, though tourists are still enjoying them. “The lack of required modern infrastructural facilities, acute conditions of underdevelopment and poverty are impediments to tourism, which the new administration has been tackling since assumption of office. Investors, both foreign and local, are therefore called upon to come and invest in the abundant tourism potentials in the country. The richness and diversity of Nigeria’s tourism resources, coupled with economic liberalisation policies will provide investment opportunities in various areas.”