“Nigeria’s Tourism Graveyard Is Full of Good Ideas” — Fayemi Blasts Governments Over Failed Projects

Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has sparked conversations after declaring that Nigeria’s tourism sector is collapsing not because of a lack of ideas, but because governments fail to sustain projects after leaving office.

Speaking at the International Tourism Summit 2026 organised by the Oyo State Government, Fayemi said many tourism initiatives across Nigeria die immediately political administrations change, leaving behind abandoned projects and wasted opportunities.

According to him, Nigeria’s “tourism graveyard” is filled with brilliant ideas that were never properly institutionalised.

“The graveyard of our country’s tourism is not littered with bad ideas. It is littered with good ideas that were never institutionalised or carefully executed,” Fayemi said.

The former governor explained that tourism has become one of the biggest economic drivers globally, helping countries create jobs, attract foreign investors, improve infrastructure, and promote culture. However, he said Nigeria has failed to maximise those opportunities because leaders focus more on temporary political achievements instead of building lasting systems.

Fayemi stressed that sustainable tourism can only work when governments create policies and institutions strong enough to survive political transitions.

Drawing from his time as governor, he recalled that Ekiti State had only two functioning hotels when he assumed office in 2010 despite possessing major tourist attractions like:

• Ikogosi Warm Springs

• Arinta Waterfalls

• Hills of Okemesi

He described them as “neglected treasures” with massive economic value that remained largely untapped for years.

Meanwhile, Seyi Makinde also spoke at the summit, assuring investors that his administration was building tourism structures capable of surviving beyond his tenure.

Makinde revealed that Oyo State had already signed a 15-year concession agreement with SystemSpecs for the management of Bower’s Tower as part of efforts to strengthen private-sector participation in tourism development.

The comments from both leaders have now reignited debates online, with many Nigerians asking the same question:

Why do government projects in Nigeria disappear once a new administration takes over?

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