By Daniel Oni
In recent years, the conversation around Nigeria’s tourism sector has shifted. No longer is the focus solely on beaches, hotels, and leisure travel. Instead, heritage tourism which is the exploration of cultural, historical, and natural assets is emerging as one of the most powerful tools for economic growth and national identity. To understand this trend, The Nation sat down with Daniel Oni, a tourism and hospitality professional whose research and field experience highlight the importance of heritage preservation in building a sustainable tourism industry.
“Heritage is our biggest export”
Daniel begins the discussion with a simple but striking statement: “Heritage is our biggest export.”
He explains that in a world saturated with global hotel brands and standardized experiences, what truly distinguishes a country is its heritage. “When a traveler visits Nigeria, they’re not looking for the same experience they can get in London or Dubai. They’re looking for the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, the Oyo palaces, the Argungu Fishing Festival, things that cannot be replicated elsewhere.”
Heritage tourism, according to Daniel Oni, is more than sightseeing. It is about identity, storytelling, and continuity. It gives communities a chance to share their culture while providing visitors with a deeper understanding of history.
The untapped potential
Despite Nigeria’s vast heritage assets, Daniel believes the country has only scratched the surface. “We have UNESCO World Heritage Sites, dozens of historic towns, ancient shrines, colonial architecture, and oral traditions that are older than most modern nations,” he says. “But without proper management, documentation, and promotion, many of these treasures remain hidden from the world.”
He points out that countries like Egypt and Greece have built entire economies around heritage. “The pyramids of Egypt and the ruins of Athens are global magnets. Nigeria has equivalents in terms of our Nok culture, Benin Bronzes, Yoruba kingdoms, but we haven’t built the infrastructure to make them global attractions.”
Challenges of preservation
One of the key issues facing heritage tourism is preservation. Many cultural sites in Nigeria face neglect, encroachment, and in some cases, outright destruction. Daniel laments the lack of policies that protect heritage assets.
“Take the Benin Bronzes as an example,” he says. “They sit in foreign museums as symbols of Africa’s lost heritage. The global community acknowledges their importance, but at home, many of our living sites are deteriorating. If we don’t preserve what we still have, the story of our heritage will continue to be told outside our borders.”
Beyond policy, Daniel stresses that community involvement is critical. “Heritage must be lived, not just displayed. If local communities don’t benefit from preserving traditions, they will abandon them. Tourism must empower communities to see heritage as an economic resource, not just a cultural obligation.”
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Technology and modern storytelling
Heritage tourism may be rooted in the past, but Daniel Oni insists it must embrace the tools of the present. Digital mapping, virtual tours, and mobile applications, he argues, can help bring cultural sites to life for both domestic and international visitors.
“Imagine a tourist in Ibadan accessing an app that gives them a guided history of Mapo Hall as they walk through it,” he says. “Or a child in Chicago virtually experiencing the Osun-Osogbo festival. Technology gives us the power to expand the reach of heritage far beyond geographical limits.”
Building a future for heritage tourism
When asked about the way forward, Daniel offers a clear roadmap:
Policy reform – stronger laws to protect heritage sites.
Investment – building infrastructure that makes heritage destinations accessible and attractive.
Training – developing a skilled workforce to manage cultural assets.
Community engagement – ensuring locals see tangible benefits.
Global partnerships – working with UNESCO, museums, and cultural institutions to promote Nigerian heritage internationally.
“Tourism is not just about leisure,” Daniel concludes. “It is about identity and pride. If we get heritage tourism right, we won’t only boost our economy, we’ll also preserve our story for generations to come.”
Final Thoughts
In a time when nations are competing for attention in the global tourism market, Daniel’s words are a reminder that Nigeria already holds something priceless: its heritage. The challenge, as he emphasizes, is not about creating attractions but about valuing, protecting, and sharing what already exists.
Heritage tourism, he says, is Nigeria’s chance to rewrite its narrative, not as a country defined by challenges, but as a nation rich in culture, history, and experiences that the world longs to see.