In the frame of reference of West Africa, travellers are now combining visits to nearby countries, such as Senegal, Gambia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Benin, and Togo, with a stop over in Nigeria. This idea allows travellers to experience multiple cultures, landscapes, and attractions while reducing overall travel expenses.
However, entering Nigeria through land borders can be challenging and frustrating experience. The lengthy processing times, and corruption are some of the plague affecting border crossing into Nigeria.
The important position of the Immigration authourity in any country is key to the development of domestic tourism and especially inbound tourism. There should be an unbiased "complain"/"feedback" office or working committee office in the Nigeria Immigration Service that is saddled with the task to collaborate and invent policies to protect professional tour operators and make travel easy for travellers.
These are critical issues to discuss in tourism development. At the Ecowas border in Seme for example, international visitors face undue delays and harassment. Every agency stationed at the border expects bribes, and those who refuse to comply face fabricated excuses and demands for illegal payments.
Border procedures should be streamlined to facilitate smooth passage. Clear guidelines should be provided and immigration officers should be trained to ensure that the officers are professional, courteous and knowledgeable about procedures and regulations.
Multi-destination travel bring significant economic benefits to participating countries. As travellers visits multiple destinations, it leads to increased revenue for local businesses, hotels, and tour operators. It creates job opportunities from tour guides to hospitality staffs.
Profesional journalists should not be deterred from reporting on these issues, as their stories can help raise awareness and bring about much-needed reforms. Similarly, tour operators and guides should speak out against these injustices and demand better treatment for their clients.
Multi-destination travel as a trend promotes cultural exchange and positive relationships between travellers and local communities.
It is imperative that Nigeria Immigration Service educate the public about their rights and immigration laws to combat extortion. Only through collective action can we bring about change and improve Nigeria's tourism industry.
If these challenges are addressed, Nigeria will attract more visitors and reap the economic benefits of multi-destination travel trend.