The Enugu State Government, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, under the supervision of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, is currently expanding its tourism potentials with the ongoing development of four flagship tourism destinations deliberately designed to reposition Enugu as a leading tourism hub in Nigeria.
At the centre of this transformation is the 50 metre Cross of Hope at Okpatu Hill, located at the highest point in Enugu State and rising over 500 metres above sea level. This iconic monument will stand as a powerful symbol of hope, faith, and renewal, while offering breathtaking panoramic views of Enugu’s scenic landscape. A defining feature of this project is the proposed cable car system, which will run from the hilltop down to Awhum Waterfall, creating a unique aerial experience and seamless connection between two major tourism assets.
Awhum Waterfall, one of Enugu’s most cherished natural landmarks, is being transformed into a state of the art eco tourism resort. The development is designed to preserve the waterfall’s natural beauty while introducing carefully planned hospitality, relaxation, and recreational facilities. Visitors will enjoy enhanced access, eco friendly walkways, leisure spaces, and immersive nature experiences that blend tourism with environmental sustainability.
The ancient Nsude Pyramid site, a historically significant cultural heritage of the Igbo people, is also being transformed into a modern cultural tourism park. The project will preserve the integrity of the pyramids while enriching the visitor experience through interpretive facilities and a canopy walkway, allowing guests to explore the landscape from an elevated perspective and reconnect meaningfully with Enugu’s history and identity.
READ: Africa: Enugu Set to Open Nigeria’s First Zipline as State Unveils Major Eco-Tourism Expansion
At the Ngwo Pine Forest, Enugu is introducing adventure tourism on a new scale. The forest will feature a zipline experience, canopy activities, and other nature based attractions that combine excitement with the calm and beauty of the pine environment. This destination is designed to attract eco tourists, adventure seekers, families, and young people in search of safe and memorable outdoor recreation.
Three of these tourism projects, namely the Awhum Waterfall Resort, Nsude Pyramid Cultural Park, and Ngwo Pine Forest Adventure Destination, are scheduled for delivery by the second quarter of 2026, while the Cross of Hope is projected for completion in December 2026.
In addition, the Enugu State Government is set to award contracts for two more major tourism destinations.The Ovu Lake at Akpawfu is planned as a world class resort destination, featuring an 18 hole golf course, premium hospitality facilities, and a boat regatta experience that will position Enugu as a destination for leisure, sport, and high value tourism. Also in view is the Akwuke Sand Beach, envisioned as a relaxed waterfront destination offering leisure, recreation, and family friendly tourism experiences.
In preparation for this ambitious tourism expansion, and in line with the vision of the Peter Ndubuisi Mbah led administration to make Enugu a true tourism hub, the State Government has recently procured two double decker tourism buses. These buses will support organised sightseeing tours, provide elevated views of the city and its attractions, and enhance visitor mobility across key tourism corridors, reinforcing Enugu’s readiness to welcome tourists from across Nigeria and beyond.
This coordinated approach reflects a clear strategy that combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, adventure, modern infrastructure, and efficient mobility.
