Rediscovering Nigeria Through Family Travel: A Firsthand Experience and a Call for World-Class Tourism Infrastructure By Anago-Osho J.A
In an era where international travel has become a lifestyle for many African families, I recently had the privilege of hosting a remarkable group of parents and their children on a curated tour across Nigeria. What made this experience particularly noteworthy was not just the journey itself, but the intentional decision behind it.
For years, this group has maintained a tradition of annual travel, exploring destinations across Europe, Asia, and different parts of Africa. However, this year, they made a conscious shift and they chose to rediscover Nigeria. This decision reflects a growing trend among well-travelled Africans. There’s an awakening to the value of experiencing and investing in our own cultural and historical landscapes.
Family centered tourism is fundamentally different from conventional travel groups. Unlike tours designed for friends, corporate teams, couples, or solo travelers, family tours demand a deeper level of intentionality. They require a balance of safety, education, engagement, and enjoyment across multiple age groups.
In this case, particular attention was given to the children, ensuring that the experience was not only enjoyable but also educational and culturally immersive. The result was evident in their curiosity, the questions they asked, and their level of engagement throughout the tour. For the children, the trip was a living classroom. The group leader shared an insightful perspective that deserves national attention. Having travelled extensively, he acknowledged that Nigeria offers something many destinations lack. He mentioned depth of culture, history, and authentic experiences.
From local cuisine to indigenous ways of life, Nigeria provides a richness that cannot be easily replicated elsewhere. Interestingly, some of the children, who are largely urban in upbringing, experienced certain aspects of traditional life for the first time, such as fetching water from a well. These seemingly simple moments became powerful cultural touchpoints, bridging generational and lifestyle gaps.
While commending the progress made in Nigeria’s tourism sector, as he identified unknown tour sites, the group leader highlighted a critical challenge. He complained about the state of tourism infrastructures and hope there will be an improvement.
He compared his experience in Kuala Lumpur, where they once enjoyed a seamless and secure glass-bottom river cruise, to some of the realities encountered locally. His concern was not just about comfort, but safety and reliability, particularly in water-based tourism. Instances such as boat engines failing mid-journey, though not widespread, can create anxiety and diminish the overall experience for visitors.
His observation was both simple and profound: “Nigeria has richer content than many destinations we have visited. However, what those destinations may lack in cultural depth, they make up for with world-class infrastructure and visitor experience.”
This feedback underscores an urgent need for tourism stakeholders, both public and private, to prioritize infrastructure development and global standards. The success of this tour reinforces a broader narrative that Nigeria is not lacking in attraction; it is on the verge of a tourism renaissance. What is required now is a deliberate alignment between our rich heritage and the quality of infrastructure that supports it.
The group leader concluded by affirming that the purpose of their trip was fully achieved. it was educational, cultural, and enjoyable for both parents and children.
This is the standard we must aim to replicate and exceed. As we look to position Nigeria as a leading global tourism destination, the path forward is clear: Preserve our stories. Elevate our standards. Deliver unforgettable experiences. Nigeria is not just a destination, it is an experience waiting to be refined and shared with the world.
Amb. Anago-Osho J.A
Tourism Professional | Cultural Heritage Advocate | Pan-African Tourism Promoter