LAND USE POLICY AND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA …A CASE STUDY OF OLUMO ROCK IN OGUN STATE

Land use policy and tourism development in Nigeria …A case study of Olumo rock in ogun state

Abstract

Tourism in Nigeria is still down the ladder in policy formulation for economic growth and development. Tourism sector needs advocates and researchers that would work towards repositioning tourism on the Zenith level of budgetary allocation to enable the sector contribute maximally to the economic development of Nigeria. Based on this, this research examined land use policy and tourism development in Nigeria. Therefore, the objectives considered are: Some specific landscape features for tourism development across Nigeria, development strategies and relevance for promoting tourism and the sustainability of landscape features that are tourism based.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background of the study

Landscapes are sceneries of nature. Landscapes are the configuration of the earth surface especially the classification, description, nature and the development of the different surface features. These surface features like hills, valleys, lakes, springs high and low lands, rivers, sand bars and sand dunes are wide spread throughout Nigeria. Today, traveling, boundary delineation, human activities such as agriculture, trade military adventure, tourism and even resources of a country are based on these features. However, four group classification of these features stand out. These are plains, plateau, hills and mountains. The shape, size, location and the absolute elevation of these features help in the development of tourism. These landform features have potential attractions for tourism. The perspective of interpretation is to provide such landscapes with images and symbolic meanings to make them more visible and attractive to tourists while constituting a framework for preservation. A more holistic rather than reductionist view of tourism is also desirable both in context of developing the full potential of the industry and in meeting the diverse needs and ideas of contemporary tourists (Chokor, 1993). Today, tourism has become one of the most viable industries all over the world. In Nigeria, the recent increase in the tourism industry is the outcome of several factors. This includes: increased leisure, higher standard of living, annual holidays, education, improved transport and communication systems and the need to improve on one’s health. Government has equally realized that developing the tourism industry has greatly improved social economic development of the people, create job opportunities and help to open more lands. Beyond this are other advantages which are rather subjective than complimentary, such as enhancing understanding among people, promote international relations and community development. It is on this note that the improvement of the tourist industry has been recommended in Nigeria. This paper therefore discusses the relevance of landforms as a fundamental basis for the identification and development of tourist attractions. Archibong (2004) delineated tourist sites in Nigeria to include festivals and cultural celebrations such as Durber Festivals, National Parks as in Old Oyo as well as other geographical sites such as Aso Rock. Some state Governors in Nigeria adopts tourism as a means of tapping the benefits of globalization especially in the area of attracting foreign investors to boost economic investments in their domain (Akpan, 2011). Land use change and environmental degradation have made too much damage in the world’s natural resources.  In fact, it can be expressed that even, natural sinks of the earth which improve and ease natural recycling system are being demolished as a result of negative environmental impacts. Destruction of forest has been decreasing air pollution absorption’s factors. Global and regional trends and factors have caused a lot of change in economic, social and cultural capital; consequently, these changes have caused environmental destruction in domestic society in the country.

• STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

These landform features have potential attractions for tourism. The perspective of interpretation is to provide such landscapes with images and symbolic meanings to make them more visible and attractive to tourists while constituting a framework for preservation. A more holistic rather than reductionist view of tourism is also desirable both in context of developing the full potential of the industry and in meeting the diverse needs and ideas of contemporary tourists. It is on this backdrop that the researcher intends to investigate the impact of land use policy and tourism development in Nigeria.

Land use policy and tourism development in Nigeria …A case study of Olumo rock in ogun state