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The Tourism Volunteers Network and Big Homes Nigeria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to drive infrastructure-led tourism development in Nigeria.
The agreement, signed in Abuja, is aimed at implementing the National Infrastructural Tourism Development Initiative (NITDI), a framework designed to unlock Nigeria’s tourism potential by integrating infrastructure, real estate and tourism into a unified economic model.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Executive Director of the Tourism Volunteers Network, Phil Roberts, described the partnership as a strategic step towards transforming Nigeria into a competitive global tourism destination.
He noted that the country’s tourism sector has remained largely underdeveloped due to inadequate infrastructure, stressing that the new collaboration seeks to address the gap by creating fully functional tourism destinations rather than isolated sites.
“A tourism site only becomes a destination when supported by critical infrastructure such as roads, electricity, internet connectivity, accommodation and security,” he said.
Roberts disclosed that Abuja has been designated as a pilot “Living Infrastructure Tourism City,” where the model will be tested before being replicated across other states.
He outlined key development zones within the capital, including Aso Rock as an iconic tourism hub and Jabi Lake as a waterfront destination, alongside other areas earmarked for luxury, adventure and agro-tourism development.
According to him, the initiative is expected to boost job creation, attract foreign direct investment and reduce capital flight associated with outbound tourism.
“With the right infrastructure in place, Nigeria can retain tourism spending, stimulate local economies and position itself as a destination of choice for global travellers,” he said.
In his remarks, Managing Director of Big Homes Nigeria, Topsy Essien, said the company’s involvement underscores the growing role of real estate in tourism development.
He explained that the firm is committed to developing sustainable, tourism-friendly communities that combine housing, recreation, healthcare and commercial services.
“Sustainable communities are designed not just for residents but also as destinations that attract visitors and investors,” he said.
Essien added that integrating tourism into real estate planning would enhance property value, create new revenue streams and support broader economic growth.
He also advocated the adoption of architectural designs that reflect Nigeria’s culture and environment, noting that originality would strengthen the country’s appeal to international tourists.
Stakeholders present at the event, including representatives of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority, Pan-African AU diplomatic missions, the FCT Tourism Department, and the Federal Ministry of Tourism, pledged their support for the initiative.
President of Pan-African AU Diplomatic Missions, Ambassador Dr. Stephen Gbatigbi Ben-Joel in his address emphasised the need for sustained collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure effective implementation, noting that such partnerships are critical to unlocking investment and driving large-scale tourism development.
He pledge his support for the initiative towards making Africa great.
The MoU is expected to culminate in the Infrastructural Tourism Development Summit 2026, scheduled for September 24 in Abuja to mark World Tourism Day 2026.
Other stakeholders also expressed optimism that the partnership would accelerate efforts to position tourism as a major pillar of Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy.
