THE EFFECT OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Tourism is an industry with abundant potential for growth. It creates employment, generates income including foreign exchange and increases tax revenue.

This research project is thus a search for the effect of government policies on the development of tourism in Nigeria.

Chapter one of the study lays an introduction for subsequent chapters. Following the background of the study, the problem statement and the objective of the study which provided basis for the significance of the study and the hypothesis were stated. The limitations of this study were also highlighted.

In the literature review as contained in chapter two, works of various authors, international and local journals were reviewed to elicit views on the effect of government policies on the development of tourism in Nigeria.

Chapter three, research methodology, description of population and sampling procedure for data collection were discussed. Methods of questionnaire design, determination of sampling size and questionnaire distribution were also highlighted.

Chapter four was based on analysis of data collected. This chapter was sub-divided into data analysis, hypothesis testing and summary. Percentage table, figure and narration were carefully employed for proper understanding and testing of hypothesis.

Finally, chapter five was divided into summary of findings, recommendation and conclusion.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Nigeria offers a wide variety of tourist attractions such as extended and roomy river and ocean beaches ideal for swimming and other water sports, unique wildlife, vast tracts of unspoiled nature ranging from tropical forest, magnificent waterfalls, some new rapidly growing cities and climatic conditions in some parts particularly conducive to holidaying. Other attractions include traditional ways of life preserved in local customs; rich and varied handicrafts and other colourful products depicting or illustrative of native arts and lifestyle, and the authentic unsophisticated but friendly attitude of many in the Nigerian population.

However, many of these attractions are still largely untapped and even at their raw states, they are still being enjoyed by few outsiders, either very rich visitors in quest of exoticism or adventurous people in search of new challenges and experiences.The lack of required modern infrastructural facilities and in some parts of the country acute conditions of underdevelopment and poverty can be seen which many potential Nigeria bound tourist may not like to be confronted with.

These are impediments to tourism, which the new administration has been tackling since assumption of office. Investors, both foreign and local are therefore called upon to come and invest in the abundant tourism potentials in the country. The richness and diversity of Nigeria's tourism resources coupled with economic liberalization policies will provide investment opportunities in various areas as follows:

• Heritage/Cultural Tourism Resources Development of slave trade relics
• Establishment of museums and preservation of monuments
• Wildlife Tourism Resources
• Development of hiking trails and Jeep tracks in the national parks
• Development of picnic and camping sites at strategic locations within the trail circuit system in the national parks
• Building of tourist lodges
• Building of reception centers at Natural/Physical Attractions
• Provision of cable bus system to take tourist through the very rugged but scenic terrain of the mountains especially in Kanyang, Obudu and Mambilla Plateau Construction of lodge cabins for expedition tourist and rangers.
• Establishment of hotels and resorts near waterfalls, springs, caves and temperate climate areas such as Obudu, jos and Mambila Plateau.
• Beach Tourism potentials Establishment of boating and sport fishing facilities.
• Development of water transportation Provision of educational facilities for water skiing and swimming.
• Establishment of holiday resorts along the coasts.
• Development of Amusement parks, entertainment facilities and shopping services.
• Development of arts and crafts which constitute symbol of the people's cultural values and love for nature.

Statement of the problem

Policy concerns goals and allocation of resources in situations, and to social problems, sometimes called ‘wicked’ problems (Rittel& Weber, 1973), where there is no clear answer. An example is the: ‘very real quandary (of a social and economic significance unlikely to be faced by academic observers) that the Minister [of Tourism for Eritrea] confronted in comparing the ‘social and ecological dangers posed by large-scale development’, with the ‘desperate need of foreign investment and the foreign exchange earnings some of which could be generated through tourism’ (Burns, 1999, p. 343). A consequence of the ‘messy’ nature of policy is that there will be differences in opinions concerning ‘appropriate’ policy to deal with a particular problem with each outcome resulting in ‘winners and losers’.

1.3   Objectives of the Study

1. To study the relationship that exists between government policies and development of tourism in Nigeria.

2. To know whether government policies affects the development of tourism in Nigeria.

1.4   Research Questions

1. Is there a significant relationship between government policies and development of tourism in Nigeria?

2. Do government policies affect the development of tourism in Nigeria?

1.5   Research Hypotheses

Hypothesis One

Ho: There is no significant relationship between government policies and development of tourism in Nigeria.

Hi: There is a significant relationship between government policies and development of tourism in Nigeria.

Hypothesis Two

Ho: Government policies do not affect the development of tourism in Nigeria.

Hi: Government policies affect the development of tourism in Nigeria.