Ojo-Lanre Urges Tinubu To Harness Nigeria’s 45 Waterfalls For Tourism And Economic Growth

In a passionate appeal, Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize investment in Nigeria’s tourism sector—specifically the development of over 45 waterfalls scattered across the country.

Despite Nigeria’s wealth of natural and cultural assets, Ojo-Lanre laments that the tourism sector remains grossly underdeveloped, with countless opportunities left untapped. Among these are the nation’s waterfalls, spectacular natural wonders such as Farin Ruwa Waterfall in Nasarawa, Ayinkunugba Waterfall in Oke-Ila, Osun State, and Agbokim Waterfall in Cross River—each brimming with economic potential.

“Waterfalls are not just scenic attractions,” Ojo-Lanre stated. “They are powerful engines for economic growth—generating revenue, creating jobs, and building Nigeria’s image globally.”

Citing global examples, he noted that “If Zimbabwe can generate over a billion dollars annually from just one waterfall, what’s stopping Nigeria from surpassing that with 45?”

According to his analysis, a modest investment of ?3 billion per waterfall site could spark massive economic transformation. Each site, he suggests, could create at least 1,000 direct jobs—amounting to 45,000 jobs nationwide. Moreover, with a conservative estimate of 100,000 annual visitors per site spending ?15,000 each, the potential revenue could reach a staggering ?67.5 billion annually—with even greater returns possible through strategic marketing and branding.

To achieve this, Ojo-Lanre is advocating for a targeted investment plan and a national policy shift that declares tourism an economic emergency sector. He proposes the creation of a Waterfall Development Fund to allocate the needed capital for each site, as well as leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to share both risks and rewards.

“Essential infrastructure such as access roads, eco-friendly lodges, and visitor centers must be developed,” he added. “Empowering host communities through hospitality training and cultural engagement is equally vital.”

He also recommends launching a bold national marketing campaign branding Nigeria as the “Land of 45 Waterfalls” to attract both local and international tourists.

“The time has come to move from potential to productivity, from neglect to investment, and most importantly, from lamentation to implementation,” Ojo-Lanre stressed. “Let us unlock our waterfalls—an underutilized natural treasure that can help reshape Nigeria’s economic future.”

As Nigeria faces mounting economic challenges, the development of its natural tourism assets—especially its waterfalls—may hold the key to sustainable growth and national transformation.