The impact of security concerns on Nigeria's tourism: Understanding
the challenges and exploring solutions for recovery
El impacto de los problemas de seguridad en el turismo en Nigeria:
comprender los retos y explorar soluciones para la recuperación
1
Olagoke Oluwafemi AWOTAYO
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9768-8910
olagoke_awotayo@unilesa.edu.ng
2
Osun State University, Nigeria
Akeem Tunde ADELEKAN
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4518-8514
adelekanat@aceondo.edu.ng
3
Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo, Nigeria
Adetola OMITOLA
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9475-2386
omitolaa@run.edu.ng
4
Redeemer’s University,Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
Gbenga OLOTU
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3140-3039
olotug@aceondo.edu.ng
5
Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo, Nigeria
1
Manuscrito recibido el 26 de septiembre de 2025 y aceptado tras revisión editorial y de pares doble ciego el 9 de diciembre de
2025. Kalpana-Revista de Investigación. no. 29. Publicación semestral (diciembre-2025) ISSN-e: 2661-6696 ISSN: 1390-5775.
2
Ph.D, Department of Political Science,University of Ilesa, Osun State Nigeria
3
Ph.D, Department of Social Studies and Civic Education,Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo, Nigeria
4
Ph.D, Department of Hospitality and Tourism,Redeemer’s University,Ede,Nigeria
5
(M.Ed), Department of Social Studies and Civic Education, Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo, Nigeria
The impact of security concerns on Nigeria's tourism
Olagoke Awotayo, Akeem Adelekan, Adetola Omitola and Gbenga Olotu
Kalpana no. 29 (diciembre -2025) pp. 111–130
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Abstract
Nigeria, a country with rich cultural heritage and stunning natural surroundings, has the potential to
become one of Africa's top travel destinations. However, the country's tourism economy has suffered due
to security challenges, particularly in rural banditry and terrorism. This article explores the impact of these
dangers on travel and offers suggestions to improve safety and restore Nigeria's international reputation.
The study uses secondary sources to conduct qualitative research, revealing a link between instability and
a decline in foreign travel to Nigeria. This has led to a decline in tourism-related revenue, employment
losses, infrastructure damage, and negative press. The report also identifies progressive causes of national
insecurity, such as poverty, political instability, and religious extremism. To rebrand Nigeria as a desirable
and secure location, the paper proposes increased community involvement, improved security measures,
infrastructure development, international relations, and strategic marketing. It also suggests conducting
additional research on the losses sustained during the tourism industry downturn and explaining why
travelers choose not to visit Nigeria.
Keywords: Nigeria; Tourism development; Insecurity; Terrorism; Travel safety; Destination branding.
Resumen
Nigeria, un país con un rico patrimonio cultural y una impresionante belleza natural, tiene el potencial de
convertirse en uno de los mejores destinos turísticos de África. Sin embargo, la economía turística del país
se ha visto afectada por los desafíos de seguridad, especialmente en el bandolerismo rural y el terrorismo.
Este ensayo explora el impacto de estos peligros en los viajes y ofrece sugerencias para mejorar la
seguridad y restaurar la reputación internacional de Nigeria. El estudio utiliza fuentes secundarias para
realizar una investigación cualitativa, revelando la conexión entre la inestabilidad y la disminución de los
viajes extranjeros a Nigeria. Esto llevó a una caída de los ingresos relacionados con el turismo, pérdida de
empleos, daños a la infraestructura y publicidad negativa. El informe también identifica las causas
progresivas de la inseguridad nacional, como la pobreza, la inestabilidad política y el extremismo
religioso. Para reposicionar a Nigeria como un destino deseable y seguro, este trabajo propone una mayor
participación comunitaria, medidas de seguridad mejoradas, desarrollo de infraestructura, relaciones
internacionales y marketing estratégico. También se propone realizar investigaciones adicionales sobre las
pérdidas causadas por la caída de la industria turística y explicar por qué los viajeros no deciden visitar
Nigeria.
Palabras clave: Nigeria; Desarrollo turístico; Inseguridad; Terrorismo; Seguridad en los viajes; Branding
de destinos.
Introduction
Nigeria is located in West Africa, and renowned for its cultural diversity, rich heritage,
and scenic landscapes. From ancient monuments and vibrant festivals to ecological wonders, the
country holds immense promise as a leading tourism destination in Africa (Nana & Daniel, 2023;
Ezenagu, 2020). Notwithstanding this potential, the tourism sector has been struggling to prosper
due to continual security challenges most especially terrorism and rural banditry.
The central problem addressed in this paper is the negative impact of insecurity on
Nigeria’s tourism industry. Terrorist organisations such as Boko Haram and ISWAP have carried
out sadistic attacks that have brutally damaged the country’s international image and discouraged
The impact of security concerns on Nigeria's tourism
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tourist inflows (Adeyemi & Adeyinka, 2019; Amaechi, Anjide & Okolie, 2024; Agumadu, 2025).
In the same vein, rural banditry characterised by armed robbery, cattle rustling, and kidnapping
has intensified in remote regions, further threatening tourist safety and undermining sector
development (Ukoji, Ayodokun & Eze, 2020). The objective of this research is to basically
examine how terrorism and rural banditry have affected tourism in Nigeria, identify the key
factors contributing to the decline in tourist arrivals, and explore strategies for mitigating these
threats. This line of inquiry is particularly relevant given the economic importance of tourism,
which contributes to job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and infrastructure development in
Nigeria.
Several scholars have written about the consequences of insecurity on tourism. Adeleke
(2020) noted that regions such as the North-East and North-West have seen a sharp decline in
visitors due to continuing violence. Eja, Otu, and Iwara (2019) emphasised that Nigeria’s
reputation as a high-risk destination has weakened its global competitiveness. The situation is
compounded by inadequate infrastructure and limited government responsiveness to violent
incidents, which hinders efforts to advance Nigeria’s cultural and ecological assets. Statistical
evidence supports these observations. According to the World Bank (2023), international tourist
arrivals in Nigeria fell from 1.2 million in 2012 to 753,000 in 2018. CEIC (2023) and NTDC
(Nigeria, 2013) confirm this downward trend, relating it to poor road networks, unstable
electricity, and insufficient healthcare services in affected areas (Ogunbodede & Ayodele, 2017).
Table 1.
S/N
Indicator
Statistic
Source
1
International
Tourist Arrivals
~25% decline between 2014 and
2018
World Bank, 2019 –
https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/ST.INT.ARV
L?locations=NG
2
Tourism Revenue
$2.62B (2017) → $1.98B
(2018), a 24.4% drop
Macrotrends, 2019 –
https://www.macrotrends.net/global-
metrics/countries/nga/nigeria/tourism-statistics
3
NTDC
Profitability
Estimated 40% decrease
in tourism-related profits
Statistic NTDC, 2019 – https://ntdc.gov.ng
4
Job Losses in
Tourism Sector
Over 200,000 jobs lost between
2014
and 2018
NTDC, 2019 – https://ntdc.gov.ng
Complied by the authors
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Figure 1. Line Chart – Tourist Arrivals Index (2014–2018)
This chart shows the trend in international tourist arrivals, reflecting a ~25% decline
Figure 2. Bar Chart – Tourism Revenue (2017–2018)
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This chart displays the revenue drop from $2.62B in 2017 to $1.98B in 2018.
Nigeria Tourism Sector Charts (2014–2018)
Figure 3. Pie Chart – Tourism Sector Impact
This chart visualizes the distribution of job losses, NTDC profitability decline, and tourist
arrival drop.
The broader economic implications are important. The decline in tourism has led to
reduction in government revenue, job losses, and weakened performance in other related sectors
such as hospitality, transportation, and handicrafts. This study is therefore apt and crucial, as it
seeks to understand the root causes of Nigeria’s tourism decline and propose actionable solutions
to restore confidence in the sector.
The impact of security concerns on Nigeria's tourism
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Kalpana no. 29 (diciembre -2025) pp. 111–130
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Research development
Conceptual Clarification of the Impact of Terrorism and Rural Banditry on Tourism in Nigeria
Generally, tourism facilitates the development of the economy, cultural enlightenment,
and long-term development. This sector in Nigeria contributes more than 7.5 per cent of the
country's overall economy and generates approximately 5.1 per cent of total employment
(UNWTO, 2015; Dawodu & Olaleye, 2023). Tourism business, however, is constantly faced with
threats such as terrorism and local crimes that have compromised its success. This literature
review pays special attention to the extent to which these issues influence the field of tourism and
discusses how they can be mitigated. According to the African Union (AU) Convention on the
Prevention and Combating of Terrorism (1999), terrorism is any criminal act that is intended to
frighten, intimidate, or compel governments or others to do or abstain from doing a specific
action, which mainly causes harm to people, property, or services. Such a definition is important
to Nigeria since terrorism has become a multifaceted issue, primarily due to radical organizations
such as Boko Haram and ISWAP. Local crime, on the other hand, incorporates armed robbery,
kidnapping, and cattle theft, among other violent crime acts, and these are likely to occur mainly
in the rural regions of Nigeria. Omitola (2023) describes local crime as a social issue created by
the unfair systems, open borders, and weak government that result in the people being less secure
and discouragement of tourism. Terrorism has now also become a global concern, and Nigeria
has undergone extreme types of terrorism, including bombings, mass kidnappings, and attacks on
key government buildings. Tourism in the country, especially in the northern region, has reduced
considerably due to the Boko Haram uprising. According to Dawodu and Olaleye (2023),
terrorist activities negatively impact tourist attractions for money and the level of tourists' contact
in Northern Nigeria, in particular. Onuoha (2017) concurs that fear of terrorism influences the
choice of location among tourists, resulting in reduced international and local travel. The impact
on the economy is dire. The decreased number of tourists implies that there will be less inflow of
funds through other countries, a loss of jobs, and the cessation of other related businesses such as
hotels, transport, and the conservation of different cultural sites.
Kincl and Oulehlova (2018) also mention that terrorism not only impacts physical safety,
but it also leads to the fact that tourists feel less confident, which complicates the recovery.
Nigeria has been experiencing localised crime that has been a significant safety concern,
particularly in states such as Kaduna, Zamfara, and Niger. These regions, which have in the past
been recognised as the cultural and natural tourist areas, are now faced with frequent attacks,
kidnappings and people being forced out of their homes. Upon highlighting the issue of local
crime, Umar (2019) notes that it has caused the closure of tourist destinations, reduced tourist
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activities, and high losses in the tourism industry. According to Awotayo, Yusuf, and Adedayo
(2024), the safety problems affecting Nigeria are caused by the unfair system, historical
problems, and political marginalisation. Their article is a criticism of the manner in which
Nigeria typically responds to any act of terrorism, stating that temporary military interventions
are unlikely to resolve social and economic issues that begin causing rebellions and criminal
activities. They advance the full safety agenda, comprising peacebuilding, equitable government,
and community participation. Omitola (2023) also describes poverty, unemployment, exclusion,
and the absence of basic services as the primary causes of crime that result in an environment in
which criminal groups will thrive. The impacts on tourism are horrendous: unsafe rural territories
scare off domestic and foreign tourists, negatively affecting local economies, and making Nigeria
a destination that people are unwilling to visit. These are some of the factors that influence the
extent to which tourism is affected by terrorism and crime: Media Coverage: The media
influences and moulds people's opinion, which cannot be underrated. According to Okorie and
Okafor (2018), journalists ought to take responsibility, and they ought not to make things sound
worse than they are, as they will only create fear and lower the desire to travel. Government
Response: The effectiveness with which the tourism sector will recover can be measured by the
government stepping in by policing, collecting information and collaborating with the
community. According to Ogunbado and Adeniran (2018), the cooperation of government
groups, security forces, and local populations should enhance safety and gain confidence. Public
Perception and Safety: Tourists' perceived safety is influenced by the real safety conditions and
the news coverage broadcast by the media and the government. As Lee et al. (2021) claim, the
world events significantly impact investment and tourist behaviour, which is why it would be
beneficial to minimise the risks to the sustainability of tourism. The tourism industry of Nigeria
has been severely affected by terrorism and local crime, which has resulted in a reduced number
of tourists, money lost, and historical sites being closed. Nonetheless, the country can be a
vibrant and secure tourist destination again with clever measures due to collaboration, community
engagement, and a responsible government in Nigeria. The study highlights the urgency of
having a plan to help address short-term safety concerns and long-term system problems.
Terrorism and banditry in Nigeria are not recent phenomena but deeply rooted issues that
have evolved over decades. Understanding their historical trajectory is essential to grasp the
complexity of Nigeria’s current security challenges. The seeds of religious extremism were sown
in the 1980s with the Maitatsine movement, led by Mohammed Marwa. His radical Islamic sect
launched violent uprisings in cities like Kano and Yola, targeting state institutions and civilians
in a bid to impose a puritanical religious order (Oyewole, 2016). Though eventually suppressed,
Maitatsine’s legacy laid the ideological foundation for future extremist groups.
In the early 2000s, Boko Haram emerged as a more virulent strain of religious terrorism.
Unlike Maitatsine, Boko Haram fused anti-Western sentiment with a rejection of secular
governance, leading to a campaign of violence that included bombings, mass kidnappings, and
attacks on schools and places of worship (Joshua & Chidozie, 2020). The group’s affiliation with
The impact of security concerns on Nigeria's tourism
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the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) transformed it into a transnational threat,
complicating counterterrorism efforts. More recently, new factions like Lukarawa and the
expansion of IS-Sahel into Nigerian territory have further regionalized the threat (Global
Terrorism Index, 2025).
Terrorism in Nigeria is multidimensional, encompassing religious, political, and criminal
motives. Religious terrorism is driven by extremist interpretations of Islam, with groups like
Boko Haram and Fulani militias at the forefront (Oyewole, 2016). Political terrorism is
exemplified by insurgent groups in the Niger Delta, such as the Movement for the Emancipation
of the Niger Delta (MEND) and the Niger Delta Avengers, who target oil infrastructure to protest
environmental degradation and economic marginalization. Criminal terrorism, meanwhile, is
often carried out by vigilante groups like the Bakassi Boys, whose activities oscillate between
community protection and organized violence.
The drivers of terrorism are deeply embedded in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. High
youth unemployment, poverty, and limited access to education create fertile ground for
radicalization (Chinwokwu, 2012; Akanni, 2014). Marginalized communities, especially those
with weak state representation, are particularly vulnerable. Political exclusion and systemic
corruption further exacerbate grievances, eroding trust in government institutions and fostering a
sense of alienation among citizens (Oyewole, 2018).
Banditry, while distinct from terrorism, shares many of its underlying causes.
Predominantly affecting the North-West and North-Central regions, rural banditry involves
armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, and cattle rustling. These crimes are typically committed
by loosely organized gangs operating from forested enclaves and exploiting porous borders and
weak law enforcement. In recent years, some bandit groups have adopted the tactics and rhetoric
of terrorist organizations, blurring the lines between criminality and insurgency (Ezeogidi, 2020).
The economic toll of terrorism and banditry is staggering. Between 1999 and 2019,
Nigeria lost billions of dollars due to disruptions in oil production and tourism (Ezeogidi, 2020).
Attacks on pipelines and refineries have deterred foreign investment, while the persistent threat
of violence has tarnished Nigeria’s image as a tourist destination. According to the Global
Terrorism Index 2025, Nigeria ranks sixth globally in terms of terrorism impact, with 565 deaths
recorded in 2024 alone.
Tourism in Nigeria, once a promising sector, has been severely affected by insecurity.
Historically, Nigeria has been a hub of cultural exchange, with festivals, trade, and religious
pilgrimages dating back to the pre-colonial era. In the 19th century, European explorers,
missionaries, and colonial administrators were drawn to Nigeria’s diverse landscapes and rich
cultural mosaic (Onokerhoraye, 2013). Today, Nigeria offers a wide array of tourism products,
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from cultural festivals like Osun-Osogbo and Argungu Fishing Festival to ecotourism
destinations such as Yankari Game Reserve and Obudu Mountain Resort.
Despite its potential, the tourism industry faces significant challenges. Inadequate
infrastructure, insecurity, lack of promotional activities, and weak political commitment have
stifled growth (Okafor, 2018). Transport networks and lodging facilities often fall short of
international standards, limiting accessibility and comfort for tourists. The threat of insurgency,
banditry, and kidnappings has further discouraged both domestic and international tourism
(Bamidele, 2019). Recent data underscores the severity of the decline. Between 2014 and 2018,
international tourist arrivals dropped by 25%, and over 200,000 tourism-related jobs were lost
(World Tourism Council, 2019). The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) reported that
in 2022, tourism contributed $17.3 billion to Nigeria’s GDP, accounting for 3.6% of the total
(WTTC, 2022). However, this figure remains far below the sector’s potential.
In an effort to rejuvenate the tourism sector, the Nigerian government restructured its
tourism ministry to improve strategic oversight and sectoral performance (New Telegraph,
Monday, October 6, 2025). Experts have emphasized the need for targeted investments in
infrastructure, strengthened security frameworks, and comprehensive promotional initiatives to
reposition Nigeria as a culturally vibrant and secure destination (Vanguard Travel & Tourism,
Friday, October 10, 2025). Recent reports underscore the sector’s economic potential, estimating
contributions of up to ₦7 trillion and urging immediate reforms to unlock growth opportunities
(New Telegraph, 2025; Vanguard Travel & Tourism, 2025). Ultimately, Nigeria’s tourism sector
holds immense promise, but realizing this potential requires addressing the structural and
security-related obstacles that have long hindered progress. Collaboration among government
agencies, private stakeholders, and local communities is essential to transform Nigeria into a
leading global tourism destination. The country’s natural attractions, historical sites, and vibrant
cultural heritage are unparalleled but they must be safeguarded and promoted to unlock their full
economic value.
An Examination of the Tourism Industry in Nigeria in Comparison with Other African Nations
In a comparative analysis of the tourism industry in Nigeria and the GDP contribution in
other African countries, a wide gap is created by the contribution of tourism to those respective
economies. It has been established that the contribution of tourism to Nigeria's GDP by the World
Travel and Tourism Council stood at 1.7 per cent in 2019, far lower than that of other African
countries. For example, while tourism contributed 8.6% to South Africa's GDP, tourism
contributed 17.5% to Tanzania's GDP. The below table presents a comparison of the
contributions of Nigeria's tourism industry and other African countries
Table 2. Comparative analysis of GDP contribution in Nigeria other African countries
Countries
Tourism Contribution to GDP (%)
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Tanzania
17.5%
South Africa
8.6%
Kenya
10.3%
Rwanda
9.0%
Botswana
11.0%
Ethiopia
4.5%
Nigeria
1.7%
Sources: WTTC, Worlddata.info, African Travel Herald
Nigeria's tourism industry is struggling with several structural, security-related issues that
negatively affect its development and competitiveness in the world. The poor road networks,
poorly maintained airports, and poor hospitality infrastructure have ensured that travelling in the
country is bulky and unappealing to prospective tourists (Yusuff, 2016). The lack of these
logistical deficiencies is aggravated by the ongoing lack of security, such as insurgency, banditry
in the rural areas, and frequent kidnappings, all of which have tarnished the image of Nigeria as a
safe destination to travel to (Ajogbeje, Adeniyi, and Folarin, 2017). Compared to countries such
as Rwanda and Botswana, where the promotion of the tourism sector and the extensive use of
global promotion campaigns have brought significant success, Nigeria's promotion is divided and
poorly funded (Agusto & Co., 2017). Moreover, Ndajiya, Muhammad, and Abubakar (2014)
mention the incoherent tourism policy and the lack of political commitment, which have led to
the stagnation in the sector's development. These interdependent challenges serve as pointers to
the necessity of urgent reforms that will help to open the potential of tourism in Nigeria. This low
contribution of tourism to the GDP is associated with specific reasons, including poor
infrastructure, insufficient security and less marketing by the government. So much has been
accomplished in terms of tourism, marketing, and promotion infrastructure compared to other
African countries such as South Africa, Tanzania, and Kenya, hence its high contribution to the
GDP. This, in general, implies that the role of tourism in the Nigerian economy is the least
important in Africa compared to other countries such as South Africa, Tanzania, and Kenya,
which have much higher contributions. Hence, to become a better sector, the government should
invest in infrastructural development, security and marketing, which will increase the number of
tourists visiting the country.
The economic losses of the tourism sector in Nigeria can be observed by comparing it to
those of African countries, which do not have significant tourist attraction sites. Ethiopia: There
is no significant natural tourism attraction in this country. Nonetheless, the tourism industry has
experienced colossal growth in this country. The revenue in the tourism industry grew by 48 per
cent in two years, between 2014 and 2018. It invests 4.5 per cent of the country's GDP. Rwanda
and Botswana are renowned for gorilla trekking and wildlife tourism, as well as wildlife reserves
and safaris. In both these countries, tourism has been growing at a rate of 14 per cent and 15 per
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cent, respectively, between 2014 and 2018. Today, the industry makes a 9 per cent contribution to
Rwanda's GDP and 11 per cent to Botswana.
Other African nations such as Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Botswana stirred themselves to
pretty high levels of political stability, and they were either spared or immunised against security
predicaments emerging, as has happened in Nigeria. These nations have immensely invested in
infrastructure, including airports, roads, and the accommodation sector, coupled with a good
marketing campaign to attract tourists to the nations. Eco-tourists are directly interested in such
campaigns since conservation programs in opposition to the destruction of natural attractions and
the killing of wild animals have been established effectively. The security issues have emptied
the Nigerian economy because of tourism. Adjacent to the coin was the decline in visitors, less
generated revenues and joblessness. Comparisons of other African nations that are not big in
tourism sites highlight opportunities Nigeria has missed. The recommended policy changes will
be used to overcome these challenges and enable Nigeria to realise its economic potential due to
tourism.
A Prospect of Nigeria Tourism as an Alternative to Oil
Nigeria is a nation whose economic empowerment has long been sustained thanks to its
large oil reserves; recent global economic trends have reversed, requiring the economic impetus
in diversification; so other alternative sectors have been under exploration upon which the
country's economic growth of the country can be tapped; and tourism has positioned itself as a
number one candidate, providing a hefty potential to the economic development of the country.
This essay discusses the opportunities of the Nigerian tourism industry as an alternative to oil
with reference to economic, social, and environmental gains. Creation of Employment: Tourism
can create employment in hospitality, transportation, entertainment and handicraft sectors.
According to WTTC (2019), 1.8 million people in Nigeria received jobs in the tourism sector in
2019, constituting 1.8 per cent of overall employment. By extension, tourism will help generate a
substantial foreign exchange figure in the Nigerian economy through the international tourist
attractions. This brings revenue through foreign currency inflows. The defence of the NTDC
states that tourism had an impact of up to 1.07 billion on Nigeria's GDP in 2019. NTDC, 2020.
Cultural Preservation: Nigeria, as a country rich in culture and historic sites and most notably, the
richness of the ethnic groups, has been capable of contributing to tourism activities. (Olawale
2019)
Tourism development is an effort to ensure and promote such cultural assets, thus leading
to national pride and identity. In the end, tourism development will improve the local
infrastructure, such as roads, electricity, and water supply, which will benefit both the tourists
and the locals. In addition, the growth of the tourism sector boosts the development of small and
medium-scale businesses and consequently strengthens the livelihood of the local entrepreneurs.
Tourism strengthens cross-cultural practice for both the tourists and the host community;
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therefore, it fosters understanding, tolerance, and respect for different cultures, enabling social
cohesion and peacebuilding in Nigeria. Nigerian tourism provides an alternative to oil, which is
viable and has profound economic, social, and environmental benefits (Okoko, 2017). The
improvement of the tourism infrastructure, cultural heritage promotion, and sustainable practices
will bring international tourists to Nigeria, which will help diversify the economy and decrease
oil dependency.Nigeria can become one of the most popular tourism destinations and advance its
economy with appropriate strategies and investments in sustainable development.
Challenges Faced by Tourists as a Result of Terrorism and Rural Banditry
Tourism has played an enormous role in most countries' economic growth and
development. However, due to the emergence of terrorism and rural banditry, the tourism
industry appears to have a snag. Killings and ransacking by rural bandits and terrorism cause fear
and uncertainty to the tourists, thus giving a poor reputation to the destinations where these
activities have been taking place. This will lead to tourists opting to alter their travel
arrangements and shun areas or countries with high incidences of terrorism or banditry. In this
instance, a behaviour change, the decrease in tourist arrivals, results in an economic loss to the
tourism business. This is because the potential tourists are not confident about visiting these
places due to the fear of specific attacks or violence.
An example is that following the 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris, the number of foreign
tourists visiting the city reduced by huge numbers (Gössling et al., 2019). Other than loss of jobs
and revenue, reduced tourist flows drastically impact the tourism industry, affecting the local
business and infrastructure. In addition, the wide publicity of terrorism and banditry in the rural
areas scares away potential tourists who would otherwise have considered going to these areas.
Media coverage tends to focus on what is bad, making the fear and insecurity they cause greater.
The effects of such adverse publicity are felt longer than planned by the destinations, even in
cases where the situation is incorrectly reported. As Sharpley and Stone (2019) point out, the
result of a terrorism and rural banditry event is a 20% decline in tourists within five years. The
places where such incidents happened might take years to regain their reputation and get tourists
back. These incidents could create a poor image that takes a long time before it fades, and reflects
fewer arrivals and sustainable earnings. As Cetin and Bilgin (2019) observe, fear and uncertainty
caused by such events cause tourist arrivals to be reduced by 15 per cent and cause substantial
destruction of local infrastructure. The high interference with the local economies also affects
intercultural interactions to a greater extent, deteriorating the already vulnerable state of the
tourists. However, all these adverse effects can be overcome by the proper reaction of the
government, collaboration, and investment in the security systems, which will result in the
restoration and prosperity of the tourism sector.
Terrorist activities in Nigeria have also contributed to a reduction in the number of
tourists by 30 per cent because of the belief in violence and intimidation, which scares away
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possible visitors. Extremist groups such as Boko Haram attacks on popular tourism destinations
have led to a reduction in the tourist inflow and tourism revenue. Another causative factor that
has led to the downward review of tourism in Nigeria is rural banditry, since it is a cause of
crimes like kidnapping, highway robbery, and cattle rustling. Such a crime would mostly be
committed in rural settings, especially in areas with tourist attractions such as wildlife centres and
national parks. This has scared tourists away to such places because of the armed bandits and the
fear of insecurity and a loss of economic income through the tourism industry. (Oladimeji &
Akinbola, 2019). Terrorism and rural banditry are security issues and interconnected by-products
that lead to direct spillages to the tourism sector in Nigeria. The events that are being operated by
terrorist groups and armed bandits cause fear and insecurity, a condition that is not conducive to
allowing tourists to travel to Nigeria.
On this note, specific and believable countermeasures and mitigation efforts, including
strengthening security in tourist destinations and upgrading information exchange among security
agencies, need to be embraced to enable the country to eliminate the negative impact of terrorism
and rural banditry on the tourism sector in Nigeria. This could include the physical security
aspect of tourist destinations, better information exchange among security forces and the
proactive inclusion of local communities in the activities of the security agencies. Furthermore,
the international cooperation and help in combating terrorism and rural banditry would restore
lost confidence in Nigeria among the visitors and potential investors as a secure tourist
destination. Smith (2018) also substantiated this claim by saying that terrorism and banditry
affect the tourism industry in Nigeria, causing a decrease in tourist activities and revenues. The
negative security implications of these challenges can be countered through effective
countermeasures and strategies, including enhancing the security at tourist locations and
including local communities in security-related programs. The sustainable efforts to deal with the
causes of the security issues will make tourists flock to Nigeria and boost the economy,
enhancing the residents' livelihoods.
Nigeria has implemented a multilateral strategy, which involves using military
campaigns, the development of security institutions, deradicalisation, and external collaboration,
to fight terrorism and rural banditry (Onuoha, 2014). Although specific military actions have
achieved minor progress in the power reduction, they have been accused of human rights
violation and their incompetence to eliminate the threat (Adibe, 2020). In addition to these
military interventions, the government has attempted to enhance the functions of the security
institutions, military, police, and intelligence services regarding training, equipment and
coordination. (Agbiboa, 2013). Nevertheless, corruption, lack of resources and morale have
continued to ensure that such institutions have been too ineffective in their operations. (Onuoha
& Oyewole, 2018).
The government has been using deradicalisation and rehabilitation initiatives like
Operation Safe Corridor to reintroduce ex-members of the Boko Haram sect to society (Onuoha
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& Oyewole, 2018). Although there have been comparatively promising consequences of these
programs, it is still to be determined how effective they will be in the long run in deterring further
recruiting of new members and the overall strength of the Boko Haram group. (Mahmood & Ani,
2018). Besides, Nigeria has tried to improve its coordination with its neighbours by establishing
the Multinational Joint Task Force in cross-border counterterrorism. MNJTF partially succeeded
in targeting the activity of Boko Haram but encountered difficulties due to logistical and political
constraints (Anugwom, 2019). In the aspect of the anti-banditry efforts, the government has
become entangled in the community policing efforts aimed at empowering the security forces by
ensuring closer ties with the rural population, where such bandits are prevalent. Olaoluwa and
Akinyemi (2020) assert that these community policing programs have remained haphazard
because they have been faced with the problem of earning the confidence of local communities
and making them commit to such programs.
The government has also attempted to negotiate with the bandits and give them amnesties
in exchange for stopping the attacks and handing over the weapons they had taken. Though this
solution has worked short-term in curbing violence in select states, there have been criticisms that
the solution does not work in the long term since it is unable to curb the causes of rural banditry.
(Idris, 2020). There have been some attempts to reduce rural banditry by addressing the
socioeconomic factors of poverty, joblessness, and inaccessibility to basic services. Nevertheless,
it has been moderated by resource scarcity, bad implementation, and hanging variables like
climate change and resource shortage. (Abazie-Humphrey, 2020). In the same vein, the
government has deployed security personnel to the rural regions, introduced security surveillance
systems in the rural regions, and provided security equipment to the rural communities to
improve security in rural regions. Although they provide a reasonable extent of defence to the
indigenous population, the solutions become overwhelmed by the agility and flexibility of
bandits in the expanses of the rural lands. (Idris, 2020). The development of grazing reserves and
anti-rustling strategies that will help to enhance livestock management has been sought to
minimise the confrontations between the farmers and the herders. This has led to limited success
as such initiatives have faced problems balancing the various interests and addressing the
multifaceted sources of farmer-herder conflicts. (Abdulkadir et al., 2020).
Methodology
This paper uses qualitative method to investigate the impacts of security threats on the
tourism industry especially the terrorism and the bandits in the rural areas of Nigeria. Using
secondary data as the sole material, the study uses a wide range of sources to offer a detailed
insight into the problem. Reports done by the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation
(NTDC) and the Ministry of Information and Culture provide an official national view of the
tourism policies and national security. The online academic journals add a bit of knowledge on
the interaction of insecurity and tourism. The study is augmented by policy analyses contributed
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by think tanks such as Brookings Institution, WTTC, Worlddata.info, African Travel Herald.
Newspapers such as The Guardian Nigeria, Premium Times, and Daily Trust provide real-time
reports of security incidences, and how they affected a tourist directly. Thematic analysis was
applied to discover the trends of the development of security threats, changes in tourist behavior,
economic consequences, and responses to the stakeholders. This approach has allowed this study
to pursue an intricate examination of how insecurity influences the tourism performance in
Nigeria.
Findings of the Study
The findings show that the unremitting security risks especially terrorism and rural
banditry have played a major role in destroying the potential of Nigeria as a leading tourist
destination. The problems have resulted in a significant reduction in the number of tourists,
contributed by the adverse media images of the country in the international setting and
perceptions of insecurity. The impact on the economy is obvious with decreased earnings of
businesses that rely on tourism, loss of jobs, and poor infrastructure. Instability is also worsened
by such root causes like poverty, political dissatisfaction and religious tensions.
Discussion of Findings
The findings reveal that the security threats, including terrorism and rural banditry, have
seriously compromised the gains Nigeria would have achieved by being a destination worth
visiting. The theme coming out strongly in this research is related to the reduction of tourist
arrivals; the fact that security issues are overriding discourages serious consideration of the fact
that the country is unsafe, a constant factor that prompts people to travel and invest in the tourism
industry. In addition, identifying security incidents in Nigeria with the international media has
continued to give Nigeria a negative image. This will result in the uncertainty of enhancing the
rich cultural heritage and natural attractions, which are holding back elements that tourists choose
such a destination. The analysis indicates that insecurity has economic implications for tourism.
The lost tourists also translate to the lost direct businesses among hotels, restaurants and tour
operators that rely on the industry. The industry has suffered due to the fall in terms of loss of
jobs, thereby impacting livelihood and overall economic stability. Secondly, security threats will
destroy the infrastructure related to tourism, and their costs are prohibitive to repair, which deters
further investments. The research has established many root causes of the continued terrorism
and banditry. This covers a high degree of poverty, which may be favourable to violence and
criminality; the political dissatisfaction with unresolved problems that breed ready materials of
grievances that result in insecurity; and the religious disparity that breeds additional conflicts that
destabilise the tourism industry.
This paper, as such, offers some suggestions to reduce the challenges. Tourism
development should be involved at the local community level so that it may have ownership and
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security. Strict security must be offered to protect the tourists and overcome the mentality of
potential visitors. Secondly, there will be payoffs in infrastructural betterments that enhance the
tourists' experiences. International collaboration should be enhanced to enhance security and
make Nigeria a secure destination. Lastly, repositioning activities that seek to highlight the
attractions can go a long way in highlighting the attractions, besides helping in de-escalating the
security concerns that are rife. This paper recommends conducting further studies on the
quantification of losses that Nigeria suffers due to the decline in tourism. To be more exact, the
deterrent factors must be comprehended well, and effective measures to restore the tourism
potential in Nigeria must be formulated.
Conclusion
Rural banditry and terrorism are crucial in slowing the development of tourism in Nigeria.
Tourists associated with rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural sceneries, and historicity of past
events are nose-diving faster than ever, getting to visit Nigeria because of the security threats to
the sector by acts of terrorism and countryside banditry. Attacks, kidnappings, and killings are
caused by Boko Haram as well as bandits in the northeastern and northwestern parts of Nigeria.
The attacks are severe to the lives of tourists and have damaged mainly the reputation of Nigeria
as a safe tourist destination, as well as significantly undermining tourism in Nigeria. Most resorts,
hotels and tourist locations have seen a decline in numbers, therefore, receiving lower financial
earnings, with some resulting in retrenchments. The issue of insecurity also scares away potential
investors who would have invested their money in Nigeria's tourism infrastructure.
Recommendations
Increase the intensity of Security: The Nigerian government needs to emphasise the
security of tourists by ensuring that more security forces are present in tourist spots. This would
prevent terror attacks and, therefore, bandits and guarantee a safe tourist environment.
Increase intelligence-sharing processes and information systems to detect and mitigate
possible threats and make security measures more proactive. Cooperation with foreign forces can
also be highly effective in dealing with and chasing terrorists and bandits.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Conducting awareness campaigns among the people about
the safety of tourists and the government's development on the issue of terrorism and banditry
could be one way of reclaiming Nigeria's reputation as a country to visit.
Community Engagement: This will allow the local community in the affected areas to
play a key role in combating terrorism and banditry. Cooperation with the local leadership,
sensitising the masses and creating employment opportunities can serve to prevent some of its
recruits from turning to terrorism and banditry by the government.
Tourism Infrastructural Development: Once tourism infrastructural development is done
through better roads, upgraded airports, and comfortable and befitting accommodation, more
people will come to Nigeria and improve their domestic and international travels. Therefore,
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concerted action between the government and the private sector will be necessary regarding
funding and implementation issues.
Conduct specialised advertising in multiple media outlets to promote the tourist
attractions in Nigeria, communicate with travel agencies, and attend related international tourism
functions to get more tourists.
Sustainable Tourism: In light of the long-term viability of tourism, the term sustainable
tourism is used. Sustainable tourism is emerging. To this extent, the negative impact of tourism
on the environment ought to be minimized, and greater consideration ought to be given to
cultural heritage in every dimension. This would require an increase in responsible tourism
behaviour. Therefore, the government has the role of formulating policies and strategies on
sustainable tourism with the local communities and the business people associated with the
tourism business.
Infrastructure Development: To conclude, tourism promotion is a significant measure to
fight against the terrorist threat in Nigeria. Economic opportunities, cultural exchange, and
development can make communities less susceptible to extremism due to tourism. The safety and
security of tourists, sustainable tourism practices, and investing in infrastructure development are
the main aspects of the tourism industry that can open the door to a flourishing tourism industry
in Nigeria.
Consider global collaborations in sharing intelligence, training security services on
technical aspects and capacity building to facilitate organizational effectiveness of
counterterrorism operations. When put into force, these initiatives will drastically reduce the
effects of terrorism and rural banditry on the country's tourism industry. They would be
significant in opening the industry by restoring tourists' confidence and safety.
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