Over 17 Million Nigerians Travelled Abroad in 2023

The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) has revealed that more than 17 million Nigerians travelled out of the country between 2023 and 2024, marking a significant surge in international travel and tourism.

This was disclosed by the Vice Chairman of NANTA’s Eastern Zone, Hope Ehiogie, during a press briefing in Port Harcourt ahead of the inaugural Eastern Travel Market 2025, scheduled to hold from August 27 to 30 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Ehiogie noted that the industry has witnessed tremendous growth, with the 17 million outbound travelers engaging in various forms of travel including health, religious pilgrimages, education, visits, and tourism.

“The Nigerian travel industry has seen significant growth, with over 17 million people travelling out of the country in 2023,” Ehiogie said.

He added that the potential of Nigeria’s tourism and travel industry could generate up to $12 million for the national economy by 2026, a sharp rise from the $4 million recorded in 2024.

“The potential of tourism and travel is that it can generate about $12 million for the nation’s economy by 2026. Last year it was $4 million,” he said.

The upcoming Eastern Travel Market, he explained, will convene over 1,000 travel professionals to chart a course for the sector’s future. It will also showcase airlines, hotels, medical tourism providers, and educational institutions in the South-East and South-South regions.

Ehiogie emphasized the importance of infrastructure and government support in unlocking Nigeria’s tourism potential, asserting that the hospitality industry in Nigeria is “now second to none.”

“We are not creating an enabling environment for business to thrive. We need to support the industry and provide the necessary infrastructure for growth,” he stated.

He further highlighted NANTA’s commitment to capacity building in the sector, noting the establishment of several travel training schools across the region.

“We now have about four to five training schools in the region, and within two years, the first set of students will graduate. We are helping airlines sell tickets and hotels sell their rooms,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, former Chairman of NANTA’s Board of Trustees and Managing Director of Dial Travels, Stephen Isokariari, echoed calls for collective efforts to grow the industry.

“We need to work together to grow the industry and contribute to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. With the right support and infrastructure, the Nigerian travel industry has the potential to make a significant contribution to the nation’s economy,” he said.

NANTA said the Eastern Travel Market would become an annual event aimed at positioning Nigeria’s eastern corridor as a hub for tourism and investment.