Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, has urged the Nigerian government to unlock the vast economic potential of the nation’s waterfalls.
Ojo-Lanre’s powerful call to action was contained in a press release issued in Lagos.
He lamented that despite Nigeria’s incredible natural and cultural resources, the tourism sector remained largely underdeveloped, leaving countless opportunities untapped, especially the over 45 spectacular waterfalls, which dotted the tourism landscape of Nigeria
With over 45 breathtaking waterfalls across the country, including the FarinRuwa Waterfall in Nasarawa, Ayinkunugba Waterfall, Oke-Ila, Osun State, Agbokim Waterfall, Calabar, Cross River State, the potential for revenue generation and job creation is immense.
Yet, Ojo-Lanre emphasised that the nation was lagging far behind “when it comes to developing these natural wonders to international standards.”
He pointed out that “Waterfalls are not just beautiful—they are revenue generators, job creators, and image builders.”
Ojo-Lanre said, “If Zimbabwe can earn over a billion dollars annually from just one waterfall, what is stopping Nigeria from doing even more with 45?”
According to him, recent analyses demonstrated that a modest investment of ₦3 billion in each waterfall site could result in significant economic opportunities, including the creation of 1,000 direct jobs per waterfall, translating to an impressive 45,000 new jobs nationally.
In addition to job creation, the potential annual revenue is staggering.
With a conservative estimate of 100,000 visitors per waterfall spending ₦15,000 each, the potential revenue could reach ₦67.5 billion annually across all sites—this figure could be even greater with effective marketing and branding.
In light of such findings, Ojo-Lanre called for a targeted investment strategy and a shift in national policy to declare tourism an economic emergency sector.
He recommended establishing a Waterfall Development Fund, which would allocate a minimum of ₦3 billion for the enhancement of each waterfall site.
Furthermore, he suggested partnering the private sector through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to share the risks and rewards of investment.
Essential infrastructure investments are also needed, including access roads, eco-friendly lodges, and visitor centres to facilitate tourist access.
Empowering local communities through hospitality training and engaging them in cultural tourism activities will also play a critical role in this endeavour.
Finally, a national campaign to market Nigeria as the “Land of 45 Waterfalls” could attract both local and international tourists.
“The time has come to shift our focus—from potential to productivity, from neglect to investment, and most importantly, from lamentation to implementation,” Ojo-Lanre emphasised.
“Let’s activate our waterfalls—an underutilised natural asset that can play a fundamental role in transforming Nigeria’s economy.”
As Nigeria grapples with economic challenges, embracing the tourism sector, particularly through the development of its waterfalls, could catalyze substantial growth and sustainability in the nation’s landscape.
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