TERRORISM AND TOURISM IN NIGERIA, 2009-2017

Abstract

The post-colonial era in Nigeria has witnessed a lot of political and religious crises which often led to the destruction of lives and property. However, religious violence, profound poverty, negligence by the government on providing basic amenities, porosity of Nigerian borders, ethnicity and other politically motivated conflicts in Nigeria laid the foundation for terror groups. Terror attacks have forced both domestic and international tourists to restrict their activities in the flashpoint areas because of the fear of being killed or injured. It is in the light of this, that this study was undertaken to examine the effects of terrorism on the tourism industry in Nigeria and to recommend possible ways to combating the phenomenon. Data for the research was gathered mostly through oral interviews, text materials, journal articles, and newspapers. The study is qualitative in nature. The study finds that terrorist acts in Nigeria have affected the development of tourism sector, causing unemployment, dwindling in foreign direct investment (FDI), destruction of the tourism sector as well as the cancellation of cultural festivals, among others. It has also affected the choice of Nigeria as a tourist destination. The study proffers possible solutions on how to curb the menace of terrorism in the country so that the tourism industry can thrive.