Biodiversity Eco-Tourism Travel & Tourism Nigeria’s Biodiversity Goldmine: Can Ecotourism Create Wealth? Philip SifonSeptember 13, 20250710 views Did you know Nigeria generated over ₦9.6 trillion from tourism in 2024, yet almost none of it came from wildlife tourism? That is not just surprising; it is a missed opportunity. Across Nigeria, nature is not just surviving, it is waiting to be valued. The truth is, Nigeria’s wildlife ecotourism economy has the power to do more than attract visitors. It can: Generate income Create sustainable jobs Protect endangered animals Help rural communities transition from poverty to ownership This article explores what is working, what is not, and how ecotourism and biodiversity can change lives, not just protect forests. The Nigerian Wildlife Ecotourism Economy At its core, Nigeria’s wildlife economy is about turning natural assets into income. Forests, animals, rivers, and reserves all have value beyond conservation. Globally, wildlife-based tourism represents over 7% of global tourism revenue (World Bank). In Nigeria, it remains largely untapped. When structured well, ecotourism can: Create jobs Fund small businesses Support rural livelihoods But today, most Nigerian communities near reserves barely benefit. Weak infrastructure, poor ownership models, and lack of investment mean the system does not deliver. Until that changes, wildlife will remain an untapped resource and the goal of real, measurable economic change will remain out of reach. How Much Money Is Flowing Through Nigeria’s Wildlife Tourism? Nigeria’s wildlife tourism has significant potential. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projects that it could generate ₦12.3 trillion (US$8.2 billion) and create 2.6 million jobs by 2032. But the reality today is far behind those numbers. Between 2017 and 2019, Nigeria’s seven national parks—including Cross River, Gashaka-Gumti, and Yankari—generated only about ₦128.67 million from 29,969 visits (BusinessDay). That works out to just ₦4,300 per visitor over three years, or roughly ₦1,400 annually. By comparison, a single tourist visiting Kenya’s Maasai Mara can spend over US$1,000 (about ₦1.5 million) on park fees, accommodation, and guided experiences during one trip. In Rwanda, gorilla trekking permits alone cost US$1,500 (₦2.2 million) per person. This stark gap shows why Nigeria’s ecotourism economy remains largely untapped. The parks are attracting visitors, but the revenue is too low to sustain conservation or bring meaningful benefits to the communities living around them Who Really Benefits Today? Ecotourism is meant to benefit local communities. But in Nigeria, that is not happening. At Lekki Conservation Centre, a few vendors sell snacks and souvenirs. Around Cross River National Park, some locals guide visitors. But beyond these examples, most benefits go to the state, not the people. Farmers, women, and youth living near reserves remain excluded. This is not a lack of interest; it is a lack of structure and ownership. For wildlife tourism to succeed, more people must benefit, not just a lucky few. Why Conservation Matters to Nigeria’s Long-Term Economy Many people see conservation as just “saving animals.” But in Nigeria, it is about economic survival. If wildlife vanishes, ecotourism collapses. No animals means no visitors. No forests means no revenue. Here is why conservation matters: Protects the Asset – Wildlife and forest landscapes are the foundation of the ecotourism economy. Without protection, there’s nothing to build on. Creates Long-Term Jobs – If animals are kept safe and ecosystems remain intact, they can support jobs for decades, from guiding and transportation to hospitality and crafts. Attracts Global Funding – As climate change and biodiversity loss become global issues, countries with working conservation models attract more funding and support. Reduces Land Conflicts –A stable conservation system provides locals with clear rights and roles, rather than fostering constant tension with park authorities or developers. Drives Rural Development – Places like Cross River, Taraba, and Bauchi can’t rely on urban industries, but they can build around rural tourism in Nigeria if conservation leads the way. Read More Tinubu Urges African Nations to Embrace Eco-Tourism for Sustainable Growth NATOP AGM 2025: Nigeria’s Ecotourism Potential & Opportunities for Entrepreneurs Explore Nigeria’s Top 5 Eco-Tourism Spots: A Guide for Nature Lovers What is Holding Ecotourism Back in Nigeria? For Nigeria to turn wildlife into economic value, several issues must change: Access Must Improve – Most national parks are hard to reach. Poor roads, weak electricity, and no internet make tourism unattractive. Communities Must Own the Process – Locals are often excluded from decision-making. Ownership must be real, not symbolic. Training Is Essential – Running guesthouses, guiding, or managing tours requires skills, not just goodwill. Policies Must Protect Stakeholders –Without strong policies regarding land rights and revenue sharing, neither communities nor investors have security. The legal framework has to make space for long-term, local ownership. Nigeria Must Market Its Assets – Countries like Kenya and Rwanda aggressively promote their wildlife. Nigeria barely tells its story. Until visibility improves, the ecotourism market will remain small. Funding Must Reach Small Operators – The biggest players in ecotourism are often left out, including women running food stands and youth trying to start local tours or community guides, who all struggle to access loans or grants. This must change if the model is to scale. How to Strengthen Nigeria’s Wildlife Ecotourism Economy To build a stronger wildlife ecotourism economy in Nigeria, what is needed now is decisive action, not more studies or reports. The potential is already there, but it remains locked behind long-standing barriers: poor access, weak infrastructure, limited community inclusion, and chronic underfunding. Real progress means going beyond surface solutions. It requires proper roads instead of bush paths, consistent infrastructure rather than temporary fixes, and genuine community ownership that extends beyond seasonal jobs. It also means positioning Nigeria’s natural heritage as an asset that locals are empowered to protect and benefit from. When ecotourism is built from the ground up—with local communities at the center—the country’s wildlife economy can finally move from theory to practice, and from promise to measurable impact. Conclusion: Ecotourism and Biodiversity—Can Nigeria’s Wildlife Drive Economic Change? Nigeria’s wildlife alone cannot transform the economy—but ecotourism can, if supported with the right systems. By improving infrastructure, reforming weak policies, and ensuring that communities are fully included, Nigeria can turn its natural wealth into a driver of sustainable development. Ecotourism is not a quick fix, but it offers a long-term pathway where nature becomes a source of income and neglected communities become key players in economic growth. With decisive action, Nigeria’s wildlife economy can finally move from promise to lasting impact. Frequently Asked Questions About Ecotourism & Biodiversity in Nigeria Why Is Ecotourism Important to Nigeria? Ecotourism in Nigeria goes beyond showcasing beautiful landscapes and rare animals. It drives economic development, strengthens environmental conservation, and empowers local communities by creating sustainable livelihoods. What Is the Importance of Wildlife to the National Economy in Nigeria? Wildlife in Nigeria contributes to the economy through ecotourism, fishing, safaris, and related industries. These activities generate revenue and create employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas where biodiversity is richest. How Can Ecotourism Contribute to Wildlife Conservation in Nigeria? Ecotourism provides financial incentives to protect animals and their habitats. The revenues generated can fund conservation programs, discourage habitat destruction, and help reduce biodiversity loss. What Are the Main Challenges Facing Ecotourism in Nigeria? Key challenges include poor road access, weak infrastructure, limited funding, and the exclusion of local communities from decision-making. Tackling these barriers is essential for ecotourism to thrive and deliver real impact. How Can Local Communities Benefit from Ecotourism in Nigeria? When properly designed, ecotourism ensures that local people gain from jobs, training, and revenue-sharing schemes. This not only boosts livelihoods but also gives communities a direct stake in conserving natural resources.