A Paradise Lost to Potholes: The Infrastructure Strangling Nigerian Tourism

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Imagine cruising along sun-drenched highways toward Nigeria’s hidden gems—only to be jolted by deep potholes that have become a silent threat to Nigerian tourism. From the ancient, cloud-kissed peaks of the Idanre Hills in Ondo State, where an entire city once thrived, to the breathtaking canopy walkway at the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos, the longest in Africa, the journey should be as magical as the destination. These are the visions that could draw millions of tourists annually, injecting billions into the economy and showcasing Africa’s most populous nation.

Unfortunately, for many would-be visitors, these dreams evaporate at the first pothole-riddled stretch of road. Nigeria’s crumbling infrastructure, particularly its dilapidated road network, is not just a logistical nightmare; it’s a silent saboteur strangling the country’s tourism potential, leaving scenic wonders isolated and economic opportunities stranded.

The scale of Nigeria’s road crisis is staggering, backed by recent data that paints a picture of systemic neglect. According to a 2025 report by SBM Intelligence, poor road conditions plague over 75% of transportation operators, causing prolonged travel times, increased fuel consumption, and skyrocketing maintenance costs. The International Monetary Fund ranks Nigeria as having the sixth-worst road infrastructure in Africa, a dubious distinction that hampers economic prospects and exacerbates societal woes. Official statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics reveal a grim toll: in the first quarter of 2024 alone, there were 2,662 road traffic crashes, a figure that dipped slightly to 2,404 in Q2 but saw fatalities rise by 8.3% year-on-year to 1,593 in Q1 2025, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps. 

Media reports compiled in early 2025 indicate at least 365 deaths from road accidents between January and March, with poor infrastructure cited as a primary culprit. The Africa Status Report on Road Safety 2025, prepared by the Africa Transport Policy Program and the World Health Organisation, underscores that 45% of news reports attribute crashes to driver behaviour. Still, underlying issues like victim-blaming and substandard roads amplify the risks. These aren’t mere numbers; they represent lives lost and journeys aborted, directly feeding into tourism’s decline.

Tourism in Nigeria, already undervalued despite its vast potential from Lagos’s vibrant beaches to the historic walls of Benin City, suffers acutely from this infrastructural decay. A 2020 study published in the African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure found that inadequate roads severely limit access to tourist sites, deterring both domestic and international visitors. More than 50% of sampled tourist destinations lack essential infrastructure, including reliable transportation, resulting in a significant decline in visitor numbers. 

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In the Niger Delta, a region rich with mangrove forests and cultural festivals, poor infrastructure, high costs, and corruption hinder tourism growth, as highlighted in a 2020 assessment. A 2022 African Development Bank study in Cross River State revealed that 60% of tourists cite transportation difficulties as their primary deterrent, turning what could be a booming eco-tourism hub into an underutilised backwater. Academics like those in a 2015 Pearl Research Journals study emphasise that road transportation is pivotal for tourism development. Yet, Nigeria’s networks fail to connect key sites effectively, resulting in lost revenue and stunted growth.

Real-world instances abound, illustrating how these woes manifest on the ground. In Ogun State, the 3.6-kilometre Lafenwa-Itele Ayobo road has been a death trap for over 18 years, claiming lives daily, particularly school children, in accidents caused by deep ditches and neglect. This stretch, leading to three private universities and over 20 schools, remains unfixed despite pleas. Locals recount the rebuff of a former Lagos governor’s attempt to intervene, labelling it as an encroachment. 

In Ekiti State, potential visitors to the iconic Ikogosi Warm Springs have scrapped their plans due to treacherous roads that risk vehicle breakdowns, as one traveller lamented in August 2025. The Abuja-Keffi-Otukpo-Enugu route, a gateway to southeastern attractions like the Awhum Waterfall, is riddled with potholes, forcing drivers to dodge hazards for 65% of the journey, as experienced by a motorist in August 2025.

In Jos, Plateau State, aerial views promise tourism gold, but ground realities through the Akwanga-Jos road reveal insecurity and poor conditions that eclipse the appeal of its cool climate and rock formations. Even in Lagos, the nation’s commercial heart, bad roads and waste management issues stifle domestic tourism at sites like Freedom Park, as per a 2022 study in the Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Studies. A 2024 report estimates that poor roads cause high travel time losses and inflated maintenance costs, as reported by the Road Fund Secretariat, further isolating rural attractions.

The economic ramifications are profound, extending beyond missed selfies at scenic spots. Nigeria’s roads handle over 90% of passenger and freight movement, yet their disrepair fuels gridlocks, vehicle damage, and inflated transport fares, deepening hardship for millions. Farmers lose produce en route to markets, traders face delays, and ambulances struggle, turning infrastructure failure into a threat to livelihoods. In tourism terms, this translates to billions in forgone revenue; if roads were improved, regions like the Niger Delta or Taraba’s highlands could rival global hotspots. 

Instead, medical tourism surges as accidents mount, and even Afe Babalola University Hospital in Ekiti laments how poor access and an incomplete airport drive patients abroad. A 2025 Guardian opinion piece decries the broader decay: pothole-riddled roads, collapsing bridges, and erratic power, all compounding tourism’s stagnation.

Government responses have been a mix of promises and partial fixes, often falling short. President Bola Tinubu and Works Minister David Umahi have vowed transformations, but action lags. Sukuk bonds raised ₦1.092 trillion by 2023 and another ₦300 billion in 2025 for roads, yet many projects remain abandoned or substandard, with funds seemingly diverted to prestige initiatives like airport renovations (₦712 billion) and bus stations (₦142 billion). Bright spots exist, such as Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commissioning of seven roads in Badagry in August 2025 to boost tourism and commerce. Proposals for regional commissions focus on integrated projects, like railways and roads, but marginalisation persists.

Nigeria’s tourism dreams need not remain stranded. With its diverse landscapes, from the beaches of the Delta to the savannas of the north, the country could eclipse rivals if infrastructure catches up. Fixing roads isn’t just about asphalt; it’s about unlocking prosperity, saving lives, and turning “roads to nowhere” into pathways to a vibrant future. The question is whether leaders will pave the way or let the potholes deepen.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

What is the leading cause of Nigeria’s tourism decline, according to the article?

The primary culprit is the country’s crumbling road infrastructure, which isolates key tourist sites like Obudu Cattle Ranch and Yankari Game Reserve, leading to prolonged travel times, high accident rates, and deterred visitors.

How severe are road accidents in Nigeria based on recent data?

In Q1 2024, there were 2,662 road traffic crashes, dropping slightly to 2,404 in Q2, but fatalities rose by 8.3% year-over-year to 1,593 in Q1 2025. Media reports from early 2025 noted at least 365 deaths in the first three months, often linked to poor road conditions.

Which regions in Nigeria suffer the most from infrastructure issues that impact tourism?

Areas like Cross River State (Obudu Ranch), Niger Delta (mangrove forests), Ekiti State (Ikogosi Warm Springs), and Plateau State (Jos rock formations) suffer immensely, with studies showing over 60% of tourists citing transportation difficulties as a deterrent.

What economic impacts does poor infrastructure have on Nigeria’s tourism?

It results in billions in lost revenue, increased transport expenses, vehicle damage, and delayed goods movement. Roads handle 90% of passengers and freight, yet disrepair exacerbates gridlocks and drives medical tourism abroad due to inaccessible facilities.

Are there any government efforts to address these infrastructure problems?

Yes, the initiatives include Sukuk bonds that are expected to raise ₦1.092 trillion by 2023 and ₦300 billion in 2025 for road projects, along with plans for seven new roads in Lagos’s Badagry area scheduled for August 2025. However, many projects remain incomplete or underfunded.