Improving infrastructure, strengthening security, simplifying visa processes, and enhancing visitor experiences are critical steps Nigeria must take to transform its festivals into globally competitive tourism attractions, according to Tinuke Nwakohu, Managing Director of Aviator Travels.
Speaking at the Naija7Wonders Zoom Conference 3.0 on “Festivals and Tourism in Nigeria: A New Pathway,” Nwakohu said that while Nigeria possesses a rich cultural heritage and an abundance of festivals, the country must address several structural challenges before it can fully benefit from festival-driven tourism.
She noted that international tourists increasingly seek destinations that offer convenience, safety, quality accommodation, and seamless travel experiences.
“If your security is not in place, there is no way tourists will come,” she said, stressing that safety remains one of the most important considerations for international travelers.
Drawing comparisons with global events such as the Notting Hill Carnival in London, Nwakohu highlighted the extensive security arrangements, emergency services, and crowd-management systems that help ensure the event’s continued success despite attracting millions of attendees.
She also emphasized the importance of investing in supporting infrastructure around festival locations, including hotels, transportation networks, payment systems, and visitor facilities.
According to her, accommodation standards and availability play a major role in determining whether a destination can attract and retain international tourists.
“We need good hotels, regulated accommodation options, efficient transportation, and facilities that make visitors comfortable,” she said.
The travel executive further advocated for easier visa policies and streamlined entry procedures for tourists.
She argued that cumbersome visa processes can discourage potential visitors regardless of how attractive a destination’s cultural offerings may be.
“Entry visas should not only focus on business travelers. Tourism must also be prioritised. If it is difficult to enter a country, people simply won’t come,” she said.
Nwakohu also highlighted the need for modern payment infrastructure during major festivals, noting that international visitors expect reliable access to banking services, ATMs, and electronic payment systems.
Beyond traditional cultural festivals, she urged stakeholders to explore opportunities in religious tourism, fashion events, creative arts festivals, and indigenous textile exhibitions such as Adire showcases.
She cited the growing popularity of gospel music events featuring artists such as Nathaniel Bassey and BJ Sax, saying such gatherings could attract thousands of visitors if properly marketed internationally.
The tourism advocate also pointed to the potential of Nigeria’s fashion and textile heritage, particularly Adire, as a unique cultural attraction capable of drawing visitors from across Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Americas.
She referenced comments by former President Olusegun Obasanjo supporting the development of Nigeria’s indigenous Adire industry as a tool for job creation, cultural preservation, and tourism growth.
Nwakohu concluded that Nigeria possesses all the ingredients needed to become a leading tourism destination in Africa but must be intentional in creating a supportive environment for visitors.
“We have done it before with FESTAC ’77, and there is no reason we cannot do it again,” she said. “We have the culture, the festivals, the people, and the attractions. What we need now is coordinated action to unlock their full potential.”
