Nigeria has lots of places that offer fantastic tourism experiences. You don’t have to go too far to find what is already close to you.
Here are some states with amazing tourist attractions:
Cross River
Tinapa Resort. Source: hotels.ng
Most famed for its Obudu Cattle Ranch and Mountain Resort, Cross River has a lot of tourist attractions. It has the Cross River National Park, the Alom Ikom Monoliths (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), historical landmarks, a salve trade museum, Shipping Ports, Calabar Carnival and of course the Tinapa Free trade Zone and Resort. Not to mention a vibrant nightlife.
Bauchi
Popular for its Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi has a lot more to offer tourists. Such as the Emir’s Palace, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa’s tomb monument. Wikki Warm Springs, Marshall Caves, Dukkey Wells, Lame/Burra Game Reserve, Sumu Wildlife Park (which houses only herbivorous and a wide range of bird species), Tunga Dutse Rock formation, Kalban, Kariyo and Paliyaram Hills.
Lagos
Lagos is the home of fun and an economic business hub. It comes with nature parks like the Lekki Conservation Centre and beaches like Eleko Beach and Tarkwa Bay Beach, etc. Other places include Badagary Town, the Kalakuta Museum, Dreamworld Africana Amusement park, GET Arena, Hi-Impact Planet; New Afrika Shrine, Lekki Leisure Lake, Terra Kulture, IMAX cinema, Ikeja Mall, Freedom Park, Nike Art Centre. The list is endless.
Edo
Here lies the Ancient City of the Benin Kingdom, the hub of civilisation in West Africa from the pre-colonial era. Rich in history and culture, Edo state is blessed with attractions. Such as the Oba’s Royal Palace, Igun-Eronmwon quarters (a UNESCO world heritage)and Benin City Museum. Also, Okomu National Park, Ogba Zoo, The Giant Footprint of Ukhuse Oke, Somorika and Idoma Hills, Ososo Tourist centre, NIFOR Estate, Sand Beaches of Agenebode; Iyoma, Iyafun and Ozalla Springs; Lampese Crocodile Lakes, Ughoton Grave, Gelegele Fountains/Port, Benin Moat, etc.
Oyo
Home of the first premier University founded in Nigeria, Oyo state has a range of attractions. Like Agodi Botanical Gardens, Culture Centre, IITA Forest Reserve, Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Old Oyo National Park, Bower’s Memorial Tower, University of Ibadan Zoological Garden. Plus Cocoa House, National Museum of National Unity, Ventura Mall, Koko Dome restaurant and Nightclub, National Library of Nigeria, Irefin Palace and International Institute of Agriculture.
Niger
Known for the three power generation stations, Niger has some notable tourist sites. Such as Zuma Rock, Gurara Falls, Kainji National park (which is both in Niger state and Kwara state). The Mayanka Falls, the Lord Lugard Colonial Ruins, National Gallery of art, Shiroro Dam Tourist Resort, Bina Footprints, the Ladi Kwali Pottery Centre, Bida Market, Nagwamatse Well and the first steam engine train to work in northern Nigeria in 1901 which can still be seen at the railway platform at Minna Station.
FCT, Abuja
The current capital of Nigeria is full of Mountain ranges. It boasts of attractions like the Millennium Park, Aso Rock, Abuja Arts and Crafts Village, Zimbabwe (food court) and Aso Rock Presidential Villa. It also has Jabi Lake, Abuja Magic land Amusement Park, Sueno Lounge, National Children’s Park and Zoo, Pedam Lake, Silverbird Cinemas Abuja, National Arboretum mini-conservation park, Abuja Stadium, Maitama Amusement Park, etc.
Abia
To visit Abia’s tourism sites is to travel all over the state because there are precious sites to see in different parts of the state. Like the National War Museum, the National Museum of Colonial History, the Azumini Blue River, the Akwete cloth weavers, and the Arochukwu town which has a Cave, a waterfall, a temple and the long juju slave trade route.
Enugu
Enugu not only has terrific weather, but it is also home to the following attractions: Ngwo Pine forest, cave and waterfall; Nike Lake, Milken hills and the Iva valley, Iheneke Lake and Ezeagu Tourist Complex (a hill, a lake and a natural spring). It also has Ugwueme and Udi Hills, Opi Lake Complex (a conglomerate of eight natural lakes in one community), Enugu museum, Polo Amusement Park, Ogbunike caves, Awhum Waterfalls and Monastery, etc.
Kaduna
This multicultural and multi-ethnic state has lots of tourist attractions. E.g. the Kamuku National Park, Kajuru Castle, Trappco Ranch resort, Ancient Nok Settlement, Gamji Gates (Amusement Park and zoo), Matsiriga waterfall, Kagoro hill, St. Bartholomew Church (first church built in Northern Nigeria). Also, Kerfena Hills, Kaduna National Museum, The Fifth Chukker Polo Resort, the Palace of the Emir of Zazzau/Zaria and Gamji park among others.
There is so much to see in Nigeria. Why not start planning your next vacation today?
Feature image photo credit: naij.com (Lekki Conservation Centre)
