Culture and Tourism
Introduction
Benin Ivory mask |
Because of the great diversity of people and culture, Nigeria has distinguished herself
over the centuries in the field of arts. Nigerian versatility in art is so great that it
is generally felt that all African nations should view Nigeria as the principal trustee of
the most durable fruits of black artistic genius. It is not precisely known when the first
works of Nigerian art reached the outside world, but in 1897, following a British punitive
expedition to Benin, over 2,000 Benin bronzes and ivories were shipped to England and
later dispersed all over Europe and America.
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Ancient Status
at Ring Road,.
Benin City. |
The oldest sculptures found in Nigeria were from the Southern Zaria and Benue
areas of central Nigeria. They consist of terracotta figures and figurines made by a
people who achieved a high degree of cultural sophistication. These sculptures, together
with other cultural elements, have been named the Nok Culture. Evidence shows the Nok
people had knowledge of iron smelting and adorned themselves with tin and stone beads,
earrings, noserings and bracelets. |
The Nok Culture is dated between 500 B.C. and 200 A.D. The next known phase of
Nigerian cultural evolution was Igbo Ukwu bronze casting. Found in the small village of
Igbo-Ukwu, near Awka, the casts date from the 9th Century A.D. They first came to light in
1938 and consist of staff heads, crowns, breastplates, pendants, ornaments, anklets,
wristlets and chains.About the same time the Igbo-Ukwu people were casting bronze, the
ancient Ife people were also producing works in bronze, copper, and terracotta. In the
first quarter of this Century, Ife works caused a great stir among world art critics and
historians who were unaccustomed to such naturalism in African art. The best known
Nigerian artworks are the Benin Antiquities. Legend recounts how the Benin people learned
the art of bronze casting from Ile-Jfe around 1400 A.D. Oba Ogunta, the sixth King of
Benin, is credited with having encouraged this art in Benin.
Nigeria's cultural heritage is woven from threads of history and diversity, legend and
conquest. Tourists visiting the country will gain insights to a glorious past as well as a
promising future, set amid the natural beauty of this diverse country. From rain forests
in the south, broad savanna woodlands in the center to a semi-desert region in the north,
Nigeria offers a remarkable range of physical beauty in her land and hospitality of her
people, ready to be enjoyed by the tourist fortunate enough to choose this land of ancient
empires as their travel destination.
Nigeria is a vast country with a population of about 120 people covering about 923,768
sq.km of landmass, located wholly within the tropics. The country aptly described as the
'Giant of Africa' is richly endowed with ecological and cultural resources, which are of
universal recognition. The richness and diversity of the Nigeria culture is a
manifestation of the socio-cultural differences of the over 250 ethnic groups that inhabit
the land for ages.
Tourism is one of the growing sectors the Nigerian economy. The industry was accorded
priority status in 1990 when the National Tourism Policy was launched. The main thrust of
Government policy on tourism was to generate foreign exchange earnings, create employment
opportunities, promote rural enterprises and national integration among other things.
In recognition of the immense contributions of tourism to the national economy, the
country's Vision 2010 set year 2005 as the nation's year of tourism. The obvious
implication of this development is that tourism policies and programmes will now be aimed
at making Nigeria the "Ultimate Tourism Destination in Africa" by the year 2005.
Nigeria's Appeal To Tourists
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 forest, 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 many in the
Nigerian population. However, many of these attractions are still largely untapped and
even at their raw states, they are still being enjoyed by few outsiders, either very rich
visitors in quest of exoticism or adventurous people in search of new challenges and
experiences. The lack of required modern infrastructural facilities and in some parts of
the country acute conditions of underdevelopment and poverty can be seen which many
potential Nigeria bound tourist may not like to be confronted with. These 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 as follows:
Heritage/Cultural Tourism Resources Development of slave trade relics
Establishment of museums and preservation of monuments
Wildlife Tourism Resources
Development of hiking trails and Jeep tracks in the national parks
Development of picnic and camping sites at strategic locations within the trail circuit
system in the national parks
Building of tourist lodges
Building of reception centres at Natural/Physical Attractions
Provision of cable bus system to take tourist through the very rugged but scenic
terrain of the mountains especially in Kanyang, Obudu and Mambilla Plateau Construction of
lodge cabins for expedition tourist and rangers.
Establishment of hotels and resorts near waterfalls, springs, caves and temperate
climate areas such as Obudu, jos and Mambila Plateau.
Beach Tourism potentials Establishment of boating and sport fishing facilities
Development of water transportation Provision of educational facilities for water
skiing and swimming
Establishment of holiday resorts along the coasts.
Development of Amusement parks, entertainment facilities and shopping services
Development of arts and crafts which constitute symbol of the people's cultural values
and love for nature.
Some Business Opportunities
Transportation Nigeria has attained a high level of good transportation system
especially Airline and Road Transportation, investment opportunities are still needed in
water recreation transportation and rail services.
Hospitality The hospitality sector of the tourism industry seems to be the most
competitive area with the presence of starwood Hotel Groups, owners of Sheratons, Hilton,
Le Meridien, Shangra Lai the Asian Hotel giant in restaurants and many
Beach
Meanwhile, most of Nigeria's beautiful beaches locations are still largely without
accommodation facilities, which are targets for investors in most tourism destinations
across the globe.
Tour Operations
Like the Europeans and Americas tour companies invaded the North, South and East Africa
by having tour offices in these regions which enable them to market destinations in their
home countries is lacking in the case of Nigeria.
Any Company willing to do so for Nigeria will be highly welcome.local hotel and
restaurant groups battling for a better share of the market.
Investment Climate
Apart from the enormous potentials and investment opportunities in the Nigerian tourism
sector, the country's investment climate at present is one of the most favourable in
Africa for a number of reasons: Political Stability.
The enthronement of a viable democratic system, which guarantees political stability,
improves international relation and respect for human rights would in various ways enhance
investment opportunities in the country.
Tourism Incentives
The provision of incentives in the 1990 National Tourism Policy were also to enhance
private sector participation. These are in the following areas:
Conclusion
Tourism investment atmosphere in Nigeria is now conducive given the abundant resources
available, large market, enthronement of enduring democracy, and a package of incentive
put together by government. Foreign investors and other interested individuals should take
these advantages to invest in the Nigerian tourism industry for sustainability and
profitable returns.
Tourism Investment Opportunities In Nigeria
A Tourism policy was produced in 1990 with the basic objectives to make Nigeria the
ultimate tourism destination in Africa.
The main thrust of government policy on tourism, is to generate foreign exchange,
encourage even development, promote tourism based rural enterprises, generate employment
and accelerate rural urban integration and cultural exchange.
Due to the importance the Nigerian government attaches to the tourism industry, the
following strategies were adopted:
Infrastructure
Government would ensure that the provision of basic infrastructural facilities, namely,
good roads, water, electricity, communications and hotels, to centres of attraction, in
order to accelerate their development for the purpose of exploiting fully their touristic
value. In furtherance of this goal, the appropriate government agency responsible for
tourism promotion and development, shall establish and maintain close laison with other
government agencies responsible for the provision of the infrastructure.
Concession of Land
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State governments will provide land without any hindrance for tourism development at
concessional rates and conditions favourable to investment and the realisation of
investment thereon. This will necessarily include the abolition of annual ground rent
within the period of construction and development of tourism. For orderly development of
tourism and tourism product, it is mandatory for all state governments to demarcate
potential Tourism Zones and their products from other usage, to avoid undue pollution.
100% equity ownership of companies in Nigeria and repatriation of profits and dividends
etc.
Fiscal and Other Incentives
In order to boost the level of private sector investment in tourism, it is treated by
government as a preferred sector, like agriculture. Government has also introduced such
incentives as, tax holidays, tax rebate and soft loans, with long period of grace to
potential investors in tourism.
Patrol and Regulation of the Industry
The government has enacted laws and regulations, which govern the activities of the
categories of people involved in the industry, like hoteliers, travel agents,
tour-operators, car hire services. This is to ensure that their conduct, is not
detrimental to objectives of the industry and the security of the nation, as well as
tourists.
Tourism Facilities
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To ensure the growth and development of tourism to international standards, government
has put in place these following:
Embarked on a massive and aggressive publicity campaign in the country, on the
potentials and significance of tourism. Available publicity organs of the government have
been utilised.
Publicised and marketed the nations tourism potentials abroad, through Nigeria's
diplomatic missions and the foreign media, international travel fairs and mails.
Simplified issuance of visas/entry permit to intending visitors, such that they can get
it immediately on application. Tourists arriving our ports with return tickets, are also
issued with visas on the spot.
Security agencies, including customs and immigration have been oriented to discharge
their duties promptly to eliminate inconveniences by visitors at entry points.
Institutional Arrangement of Tourism
The government has put in place the following institutional frame-work.
Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism
The Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism has assumed full responsibility for policy
initiation and monitoring, and maintains direct links with state governments on all
tourism matters. However, the tourism industry is still fully dominated by states and
local governments, where tourist attractions are situated.
State Ministries
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State ministries implement policies and directories from the Federal Ministry of
Culture and Tourism, initiate projects and control land allocation and development of
tourism in their respective areas. The states also regulate the operations of hotels and
catering institutions in line with the federal government policy.
Local Government Tourism Board
These local organs were established to locate and identify potential tourist
attractions in their areas. They serve as information centres and provide tourist guides.
They also preserve and maintain monuments, as well as museums in their areas of
jurisdiction.
Summary of Investment Opportunities In Nigeria
Investment opportunities exist within the following sub-sectors of the tourism
industry:
Beach and Coastal Resort development (Nigeria has over 700km of unpolluted sandy
beaches). Conservation and Protection of 8 national parks and over 10 game reserves.
Development of hotels and standard restaurants Transportation: water recreation, package
tour services, air and rail services. Development of caves, tunnels, waterfalls and spring
waters. Youth hostels, camps and centres Lake and River sport fishing. Scenic and Mountain
Holiday resorts Theme/Amusement parks Conference/Congress Services Conservation and
protection of endangered wildlife especially drill monkey, manatec, white throated monkey
and pigmy hippo. Heritage, cultural and archaeological sites.
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DURBAR.
 The Durbar festival dates back hundreds of years to the time
when the Emirate (state) in the north used horses in warfare. During this period, each
town, district, and nobility household was expected to contribute a regiment to the
defense of the Emirate. Once or twice a year, the Emirate military chiefs invited the
various regiments for a Durbar (military parade) for the Emir and his chiefs. During the
parade, regiments would showcase their horsemanship, their preparedness for war, and their
loyalty to the Emirate. Today, Durbar has become a festival celebrated in honor of
visiting Heads of State and at the culmination of the two great Muslim festivals, Id-el
Fitri (commemorating the end of the holy month of Ramadan) and Ide-el Kabir (commemorating
Prophet Ibrahim sacrificing a ram instead of his son). Of all the modern day Durbar
festivals, Katsina Durbar is the most magnificent and spectacular. Id-el-Kabir, or
Sallah Day, in Katsina begins with prayers outside town, followed by processions of
horsemen to the public square in front of the Emir’s palace, where each village group,
district, and noble house take their assigned place. Last to arrive is the Emir and his
splendid retinue; they take up their place in front of the palace to receive the jahi, or homage, of their subjects.
The festival begins with each group racing across the square
at full gallop, swords glinting in the sun. They pass just few feet away from the Emir,
then stop abruptly to salute him with raised swords.
The last and most fierce riders are the Emir’s household
and regimental guards, the Dogari. After the
celebrations, the Emir and his chiefs retire to the palace, and enjoyment of the occasion
reigns. This fanfare is intensified by drumming, dancing and singing, with small bands of
Fulanis performing shadi, a fascinating
sideshow to behold.
Coconut Beach
Coconut Beach is a beautiful beach in the coastal
town of Badagry, west of Lagos. The beach is attractively set in an area surrounded by
coconut trees. About 20 miles towards the border of Nigeria and the Republic of Benin,
Coconut Beach is accessible through the Lagos-Badagry expressway. Visitors will find a
friendly relaxed atmosphere.
Bar Beach
Bar Beach, also known as Victoria Beach, is the
most popular beach among Nigerians. The main beach on Victoria Island is located along
Ahmadu Bello Way opposite the Federal Guest House. It is usually crowded with Nigerians
on public holidays.
Tarkwa Bay
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Tarkwa Bay is a sheltered beach along the Lagos
harbor. It is accessible by a ‘trazan’ boa from Maroko or ‘fiki’ boat from under
Falo Bridge on Victoria Island. This beach provides a pleasant outing with safe swimming
conditions, even for small children. Tourist may obtain deck chairs and an awning on the
beach, for relaxed, casual comfort. Local yen dots sell delicious pineapples, coconuts and
variety of other delightful treats.
Calabar Beach
This superb beach, at the mouth of the new Calabar
River, is about 2 miles long and 500 feet wide, uninhabited save for a solitary
fisherman’s hut. The beach is virtually isolated and lends visitors the luxury of
privacy in a beautiful setting off the beaten path. Since the beach is flanked by a swamp
and can only be reached by boat or canoe, getting there is half the fun and enhances
one’s fascination with this enchanted locale.
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Lekki Beach
There are several beaches along the Lekki
Peninsula, the foremost being Lekki Beach, located a few miles from the city center. Lekki
Beach is another of Lagos’ attractive beaches and remains popular with foreign tourists.
Beach shelters made of palm fronds and umbrellas, available for rent, keep the sun at bay,
as well as provide a place to enjoy snacks or refreshments sold by local traders.
Eleko Beach
Opened in 1989, Eleko is the newest of Lagos’
Beaches, down the Lekki Peninsula about 30 miles from Lagos. There are no traders and no
distractions on Eleko Beach, just peace and tranquillity, ideal for those seeking privacy.
The Obudu Ranch
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The Obudu Ranch is a popular holiday destination for
adventurous tourists wishing to explore the remote corners of Nigeria. Situated in the
northeast corner of Cross River State, only 45 miles from the Cameroon border, a tourist
can enjoy the countryside of both Nigeria and Cameroon at the same time.
The Obudu Plateau is spread over an area of 40 sq. miles. It
is 5,200 feet above sea level. The climate is cool and pleasant with no mosquitoes. The
landscape is spectacular, with rolling grasslands, deep-wooded valleys and waterfalls.
Iris best to visit Obudu in the dry season since during the rainy season much of the ranch
may be covered in mist and low clouds and there are thunderstorms. Between Dec. and Feb.
the harmattan is heavy; therefore, the best times for a visit are the end of Oct. to Dec.
and March to May before the rainy season.
Attractions:
Gorilla Camp, 13 km from the hotel, is accessible either by
vehicle or on foot, where one can take a long, picturesque walk to the camp, and observe
gorillas in their natural habitat. Guests may also ride horses or embark on hiking trips
into the wild (comfortable shoes and a guide are recommended). Birdwatching here is
unparalleled and there is a pleasantly shaded natural swimming pool near the Ranch House.
If visitors accept the challenge of a three-hour hike, they’ll be rewarded with a stop
at the waterfall, nestled amid captivating scenery. In spite of the altitude, it can get
quite hot in the day, with five sunshine hours in the dry season (Oct. - April) and
roughly two during rainy season (July to Aug.). Other activities include: golf, badminton,
lawn tennis, squash and horseback riding.
Accommodations:
The Ranch Hotel maintains 33 chalets and boasts a friendly
staff, superb restaurant and bar, and laundry/dry cleaning services. Chalets provide
exquisite comfort with a large sitting room, color TV, VCR, cocktail bar, kitchen &
spacious bedroom with double bed. The Ranch Hotel operates 24-hours during peak periods,
Sept.-Dec., reservations should be made at the Cross River State House in Lagos. Or, by
mail to: Hotel Manager, Obudu Cattle Ranch, P.O. Box 87, Obudu, Cross River State,
Nigeria.
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Route:
The sights are spectacular on the drive east, through
rolling mountains and the dense forest with trees so high their branches form a canopy,
shading out the sun entirely. This phenomenon has led to the area being called
“Nigeria’s Amazon,” and is not to be missed. However, should one prefer to fly, they
can do so from any major city to Calabar then proceed by car over the five hour route via
Ikom.
ARGUNGU FISHING
FESTIVAL
This colorful annual festival takes place in Arugungu, a
riverside town in Kebbi State, about 64 miles from Sokoto. The leading tourist attraction
in the area, the festival originated in Aug. 1934, when the late Sultan Dan Mu’azu made
an historic visit. In tribute, a grand fishing festival was organized. Since then, it’s
become a celebrated yearly event held between Feb. and March. During the festival,
hundreds of local men and boys enter the water, armed with large fishnet scoops. They are
joined by canoes filled with drummers, plus men rattling huge seed-filled gourds to drive
the fish to shallow waters. Vast nets are cast and a wealth of fish are harvested, from
giant Nile Perch to the peculiar Balloon Fish. Furthermore there’s canoe racing, wild
duck hunting, bare-handed fishing, diving competitions and naturally, swimming.
Afterwards, there is drinking, singing and dancing into the night.
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EYO FESTIVAL
Eyo Festival is unique to Lagos area, and it is widely
believed that Eyo is the forerunner of the modern day carnival in Brazil. On Eyo Day,
the main highway in the heart of the city (from the end of Carter Bridge to Tinubu Square)
is closed to traffic, allowing for procession from Idumota to Iga Idunganran. Here, the
participants all pay homage to the Oba of Lagos. Eyo festival takes place whenever
occasion and tradition demand, but it is usually held as the final burial rites for a
highly regarded chief.
SHARO/SHADI FESTIVAL
The Fulani culture presents a complex system, involving
age-old initiations. The most important is the Sharo or Shadi (flogging meeting), believed
to have originated among the Jaful Fulani, whose ranks are still considered the finest.
During the Sharo festival, bare-chested contestants, usually unmarried men, come to the
center ring, escorted by beautiful girls. The crowd erupts in thunderous cheers and
drumming. After some time, a challenger, also bare-chested, comes out brandishing a whip,
trying to frighten his opponent. The festival proceeds with lively drumming, singing,
cheers and self-praises from both competitors and challengers. When the excitement is at a
fevered pitch, it is the time for flogging. The challenger raises his whip and flogs his
opponent. His opponent must endure this without wincing or showing pain, lest he be
branded a coward.
THE ATILOGWU DANCE
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The Atilogwu dance has been elevated to a dazzling art form,
particularly by the Igbos in Anambra State. Atilogwu is a vigorous dance which literally
means “Is this magic?” and combines elements of gymnastics with foot-stomping rhythms
and brilliant colors. It’s performed by young men and women who undergo rigorous
training before presenting the dance in public. Once approved, the dance is performed
during important festivals and great social occasions. In fact, Atilogwu has become a
celebrated signature of Nigerian culture, performed around the world.
NATIONAL MUSEUMS
The National Museum at Onikan, Lagos provides one of the
largest collection of art and artifacts in Nigeria. Of great importance to anyone seeking
a deeper understanding of African art and the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, the
artifacts in the museum date from 500 BC-200 AD, including the Nok terracotta heads. Its
interior is majestic in scope, and retraces the development of various cultures through
centuries of Nigerian history. Operated by the National Commission for Museums and
Monuments, the museum here, like —others in Benin, Jos, Ife, Esie, Kano and Kaduna, plus
many smaller ones, consistently draws thousands of tourists and historians each year to
view its rich collections.
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OSUN FESTIVAL
Osun was one of the wives of Sango, the god of Thunder and
former king of Oyo. She is widely worshipped in Yorubaland, particularly in the
countryside through which the river Osun flows. The water of Osun is said to have the
power of making barren women fertile. Her most important sanctuaries are in Oshogbo,
which is contracted from ‘Oso Igbo’, or spirit of the forest, centered around a palace
shrine where the chief priest performs rites and rituals.
KANO DYE PITS
The Kano indigo-vegetable dye pits are one of the most
fascinating aspects of this old city. Various designs are folded into the material before
dyeing, and the fabric is often beaten to achieve the shiny, iridescent appearance. The
techniques employed to obtain this look are unmatched around the world. And although the
methods they use are ancient, these lush works of art on fabric always remain extremely
popular and continue to be in great demand.
LEATHER WORK
Nigeria is a veritable treasure trove of beautiful handmade
crafts. Drawing from ancient traditions, Nigerian artisans create marvelous wood carvings,
metal castings, exotic jewelry, traditional clothing, intricately decorated calabashes and
finely-crafted leatherwork. Visitors are amazed at the quality and value of these unique
creations, each made with a perfectionist’s skill and attention to detail. |
