- A cross-section of participants at the Cedars training held recently in Lagos.
Nigeria has yet to fully explore its vast tourism potential, despite having numerous attractions across different states. Mr. Sammy Gbalekuma, the Managing Director of Property World Africa Network(PWAN) Cedars, believes the country is sitting on a goldmine that remains largely untapped. Gbalekuma disclosed this when Berexnews visited, emphasising that even in states like Edo, Bayelsa, Delta, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom, tourism opportunities are not being maximised.
He pointed out that while other nations generate significant revenue from tourism, Nigeria continues neglect the sector. He lamented the loss of places like Kuramo Beach, which was once a thriving hub for businesses and entertainment but has now been replaced by Eko Atlantic, a private real estate development. According to him, many business owners were displaced, and the economic activities that once thrived there were completely shut down.
He, stressed that security plays a crucial role in tourism, arguing that no tourist will visit a country where safety is not guaranteed. He linked the rising insecurity in Nigeria to unemployment, explaining that when young people are engaged in meaningful ventures, crime rates drop significantly. Drawing from his personal experience, he recounted how he ran a successful barbecue business that sustained him financially and allowed him to live comfortably.
He criticised the government’s approach to economic development, stating that too much focus is placed on oil revenue while other sectors remain underdeveloped. He argued that if states were allowed to generate their own income and remit a percentage to the federal government, there would be more innovation and competition among states, ultimately driving growth.
According to him, a major reason for the high unemployment rate is Nigeria’s outdated educational curriculum, which does not equip students with entrepreneurial skills. He urged the government to restructure the education system to focus on entrepreneurship and skill acquisition, ensuring that graduates can create jobs rather than solely seeking white-collar employment.
He further reiterated that the private sector should play a larger role in tourism development, calling for stronger public-private partnerships. He noted that in other countries, governments create an enabling environment while private investors drive tourism growth. However, in Nigeria, the government focuses more on taxation rather than investment in infrastructure and business-friendly policies.
In his view, if states are given more economic control and encouraged to compete, the country would witness rapid development. He pointed out that in the past, regional governments thrived because they focused on agriculture, trade, and other industries rather than relying on oil revenue. He urged policymakers to revisit that model, maintaining that Nigeria has the resources and talent to achieve economic prosperity if the right steps are taken.
He drew to a close by calling on the government to prioritise tourism, improve security, invest in infrastructure, and create policies that support businesses. According to him, the solution to Nigeria’s challenges lies in tapping into the country’s economic potential beyond oil, engaging the private sector, and creating opportunities for young people to thrive.
