Tourism development in Nigeria:

implications for economic growth and diversification

Abstract

This study explored the potentials of the Nigerian tourism sector for economic
growth and economic diversification. The study employed annual secondary data
covering the period between 1995 and 2019, analysed using both descriptive and
econometric approaches. Results showed that the performance of the tourism
sector in Nigeria has been unimpressive but potentials abound. Security, electricity
and air transport infrastructure were found to be positive determinants of tourism
development, while a growth-led tourism development hypothesis was confirmed
for Nigeria. The findings are compelling to suggest that investing in Nigeria’s
economic growth could be the first step in stimulating tourism development.