Abstract

Bamiduro Makinde

ID:15701122
ECON412
 ABSTRACT
Nigeria is located in the west of Africa. It is recognized as having one of the top economies in
Africa, usually competing with that of South Africa’s. With numerous evidence for foreign direct
investment and interest in its economy, ranging from the British to the Chinese; the potential for
growth and development in its tourism and eco-friendly sector is infinite. Tourism represents one
of the biggest economy sectors in the world, which makes it an important growth opportunity for
the least developed countries. The most active economy in Nigeria is in Lagos state. The rate of
pollution keeps increasing every year with more businesses and factories opening up and due to
the power problem existent in the country, there is a high presence of generators everywhere you
go.
The objective of this study is to shed light on the power of a friendly environment and how it
influences productivity and the health and consciousness of the collective as a whole in Nigeria.
It also encourages and challenges the current leaders of the country to be able to think for
themselves and do whatever it takes for the progress and independence of the nation.
The research part includes data drawn from various sources that used surveys and also from the
environmental protection agencies presently active in Nigeria. The findings of this study reveals
that the upside to going green in Nigeria, especially Lagos state is infinite. It also proposes
solutions to the current environmental catastrophe experienced in most parts of the country
through the use of diesel generators. Through the investment in standard recycling facilities,
provision of solar powered generators and electric transportation, the downsides to the pollution
currently experienced can be vastly minimized.

Key Words: Sustainable tourism, progress, pollution, solar power, electric transportation.

1. INTRODUCTION
Tourism is one of the major causes of pollution and carbon dioxide production. According to
(Gaval, 2016), tourism is one of the first causes of the carbon dioxide production in Europe, and
that over 20% of polluting emissions are associated with accommodations and transportation.
The growth of the international tourism industry has brought about both benefits and losses to
developing countries. The sheer size of tourist arrivals, the large variations in the origins of
tourists, and an increase in the types of tourists have led to several undesirable social and
environmental problems such as increase in regional and economic inequality, increase in drug
related crimes and an increase in total pollution and toxic waste. Unplanned and conventional
tourism has led to environmental degradation in developing countries. Among the
many economic impacts of unplanned tourism, three are well known. First, benefits of tourism
have not always accrued to the host country. Substantial amount of foreign exchange generated
by the industry often goes back into the countries of tourist origin. Second, tourism has generated
severe regional inequalities in developing countries. Unplanned conventional tourism has led to
increased urban/ rural polarization as well as the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few.
The most well-known undesirable social impact of unplanned tourism is development of sex
tourism, which is a popular and booming industry in several parts of Africa.
Sustainable tourism involves the reduction of pollution and waste into the environment through
the alternative use of energy sources. The use of these alternative energy sources has endless
amounts of benefits to be gained from them. Nigerians have the potential to take control of their
economy and environment through sustainable tourism by taking inspiration from developed
countries that are going “green”. According to the various theses evolved by sustainable tourism,
there are three important strategies that are part of sustainable tourism. First, the community and
its planners must be involved in tourism goal setting. Second, tourism must strive to achieve
ecological balance and conserve resources. Third and finally, tourism, like any other business
must generate a profit for it to be sustainable.
According to (Fatai, 2011), Nigeria has a land mass of about 365,000 square miles and it is a
country of breathtaking sites, an excellent place for vacation, exploration and sightseeing. There
is a presence of tropical rain forests, savannah, grassland, mangrove swamps and the Sahel
savannah very close to the Sahara Desert. Nigeria is located along the South Atlantic Ocean,
blessed with a wide range of water resources. Being a coastal country, it has a wide range of
beaches and other marine reserves. This natural endowment gives it an advantage over other
landlocked countries located alongside it.

1.1. Objective of the Study

This study tries to tackle questions like, will the introduction of eco-friendly methods and
business practices related to the tourism industry in Nigeria, especially in Lagos, its most
polluted city, reduce overall pollution, improve welfare and increase productivity? What will be
the overall impact on the economy with the removal and banning of fossil fuel generators
throughout?
1.2. Limitations of the Study
The article is mostly based on first hand perception including secondary data from surveys and
observations made in Nigeria. Time disparity, diversity, accessibility, and connectivity to the
places of tourists ‘interest in order to collect data are a major limiting factor. Few of the
observations are based upon the references collected from the internet about the successful
ecotourism destinations that can be embodied by agencies in Lagos.
2. LITERATURE
Lagos has the largest potential for dominating the sustainable tourism industry in Africa,
overtaking its counterparts, Johannesburg in South Africa and Tanzania. The natural conditions
like good weather, scenery, beaches, waterfalls, varieties of natural vegetation, wild animals are
abundantly available in Lagos. Furthermore, the presence of cultural varieties and histories in the
national museum and various historical sites usually have tourists left in awe.
The natural beauty of Lagos state, ignoring the busy parts, usually has somewhat of an island
scenery and feel to it. The vast body of water, which is the Atlantic Ocean, surrounding its island
gives tourists the opportunity to refresh from the long hours spent in traffic due to its business-
oriented inhabitants and inadequately constructed roads which cause congestion. It is the busiest
city in Nigeria which makes it the most polluted, with the presence of factories everywhere and
more vehicles than the roads can occupy. Despite the fact that Nigeria is Africa’s biggest energy
producer, the country’s electricity infrastructure needs vast amounts of investment – only 40% of
people are connected to the grid, and even they only get power 60% of the time. Mohammed, the
environment minister, points out that Nigeria’s population of 170m is expected to surpass that of
the US by 2050.
Although this problem exists, there is a presence of eco-friendly tourist attractions like the
conservation center located on the island in Lekki. Built in 1990, the Lekki conservation center
covers a land area of 78 hectares. This nature hub is run by the Nigerian conservation foundation
(NCF). The NCF was set aside to sustain the natural habitation of plants and animals as
urbanization began leading to the intrusion of areas meant for them (Trust, 2017).
This should serve as a stepping stone for all other major tourist sites and attractions but it is
understandable that the cost of switching from one mode of business which ignores the
environment and nature around them, to an eco-friendly one which promotes health, productivity
and longevity is high. Most established structures in Nigeria are rigid and highly resistant to
change but with a fresh and new perspective, taking into account the long-term status of the
environment and the innocent generations that are to inhabit them, the decision and law makers
would see the upside and endless benefits to going green.
2.1. The process of sustainable tourism development
The development of tourism in Lagos is a process and it involves market and resources
evaluation. The development of sustainability proceeds by recognizing the gaps and pitfalls in
the local tourism market in regards to general social welfare and identifying project ideas to fill
in the gaps and make proactive strategies to put those ideas into reality. Different tourist centers
differ in achieving overall sustainability in terms of being 100% eco-friendly. Some might be
enthusiastic while others might be ignorant and uninterested. The most important thing for
environmental agencies in Lagos to do is create strict and set standards for all hotels, public
transport systems and tourist sites in terms of being environmental friendly. They can also lobby
to the government for the subsidy of electric cars and solar powered generators and also ensure
legislation is implemented towards this policy with strict sanctions carried out if disobeyed.
2.1.1. Coastal Ecotourism Development
With the presence of coasts and oceans surrounding the south of Nigeria. It is very important that
these natural bodies be kept ideal and clean for visiting tourists from all over the world,
especially during the summer time when it would be in its most active state.
Lagos state is known for its abundant coastal regions. Lagos has over 10 beaches and all serve
the need of the tourists both local and international. International tourists from all stretches of
the world who are in Nigeria for leisure are always there to have a feel of the natural beauty.
However, all the beaches are invaded on public holidays. Different names are given to these
beaches based on their location. The names are Elegushi Royal beach, Lekki beach, Alpha beach,
Eleko beach, Akodo beach and Lighthouse beach among others.
It is quite clear that there is no place of enjoyment and satisfaction without problems and abuse
arising. Among the problems of the coastline that were observed during the research is over-
congestion. This is caused by thousands of people trooping into these areas at the same time.
This problem is mostly encountered during the holidays. This particular problem leads to
inadequate parking facilities. A high number of people coming to the seaside with cars and other
vehicles at the same time will encounter parking problems. The coastal area is particularly
vulnerable to pollution and direct and indirect damage from human activities. Therefore,
pollution is also a major problem in the coastal area of Lagos. The pollution comes in form of
solid waste generated from the visitors within the waterside. Visitors are not given proper
orientation on how to keep the area neat and tidy. One common thing on the seaside is
inadequate safety measures. Lifesavers and security officials, are not readily available in the
region. Another problem in the area is the negligence of the government in curbing these long
and existent downsides.
2.2. Benefits to be experienced through eco-friendly tourist businesses
Making tourist attractions environmentally friendly not only benefits the environment but also
saves money through recycling. Avoiding, reducing, reusing and recycling can lower costs. It
also ensures foreigners who are used to living in clean environments make a second visit to the
country, which means huge upsides to potential future customers and exposure in untapped
horizons. Moreover, it also stresses local ownership, as well as business opportunities for locals.
Focusing more on environmental impacts can also help to attract and retain staff at the same time
contributing to biodiversity conservation. Reducing the environmental impact of most businesses
will improve the overall long-term sustainability. This is because, being less dependent on non-
renewable resources than other competitors will give the state and country the upper hand and
also the advantage in having ways to deal with rising costs due to climate change.
2.3.Guidelines for the Government and Agencies towards long term sustainability
Running an environmentally friendly tourism industry helps Lagos and its environmental
agencies to reduce its hazardous impact on its environment and preserves natural resources and
human lives. This can be carried out by;
 The use of products that reduce reliance on natural resources (e.g. rainwater tanks, solar
hot water systems)
 The use of products that are made from recycled material (e.g. office supplies made from
recycled plastic, furniture made from recycled rubber)
 replacing diesel and petrol fueled generators with clean and conservative solar power
energy
  Introducing the use of solar powered and electric public transport systems (focused in
airports in collaboration with tourist sites)

3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
From among the various bodies of work data was collected from and used as points to support an
argument, extensive research was carried out through interviews, surveys and first-hand
perception.
Drawn from (Fatai, 2011)’s work, observation was one of the key elements in the qualitative
research method. It involved looking, sighting and listening carefully. It was also referred to as
an obstructive method of research. The observer was not in direct contact with the observed and
still executed the observation successfully (Veal 2006, 173). The purpose of using an observation
in this study is to perceive and get a feel of the impact of tourism development along the coastal
line on the people from the natural setting without influencing their behavior. On the other hand,
interview methods study an opinion from an individual point of view, observation tends to
retrieve data on a collective basis (Trochim, 1999).
4. RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION
Along the coastline, there are noticeable improvements in the establishment of tourism
businesses such as hotels, restaurants, bars, guest houses and bread and breakfasts. The tourism
businesses are available to give maximum refreshment and relaxation to potential tourists who
visit the beaches. Free government-initiated parking facilities are also available for visitors with
vehicles. With this congestion of over 100 vehicles in one location, the carbon emissions present
are set to exceed safe human limits. So with the provision public general transportation which
makes use of electric energy or solar power, the safety of tourists’ health and wellbeing is
ensured.
It is also observed that a setback has been created along the shore of the beaches to encourage
safety. The setback is between 10-20 meters, which is enough for visitors to relax and at the
same time feel the touch of the water. Some private beaches, such as ‘’Oniru private beach’’,
build a musical stand very close to the shore of the water to entertain potential visitors (Fatai,
2011). Overall, the development of tourism along the coast lines of Lagos state is quite
encouraging and attractive. On the other hand, it was observed that on holidays, all the facilities
mentioned above are not enough to meet the demands of thousands of visitors to the coastline.
The observation was carried out on a Christmas holiday in 2010 and it was quite clear that over-
congestion is one of the major problems during the festive period. To solve this problem there
has to be a maximum limit set for people entering the beach and this should be enforced with
well established entry and exit systems with security officers positioned accordingly.
In conclusion, it is believed that any economy can achieve their goals with the proper planning
and decision makers involved who possess the necessary foresight and intuition regarding long
term objectives and reaching and surpassing them. The government of Nigeria can only progress
and ensure a better environment for future generations only if they are able to abandon those
fixed, corrupt and inflexible structures on which they rely on so much and adopt a fresh and
broader perspective on climate change, renewable energy and sustainable tourism.

REFERENCES
Fatai, O. A. (2011). Socio-Economic Impact of Tourism Development in Nigeria. Central Ostrobothnia
University of Applied Sciences, Tourism.

Gaval, I. (2016, October 6). The economic benefits of Sustainable Tourism. Retrieved from ecobnb.com:
https://ecobnb.com/blog/2016/10/economic-benefits-sustainable-tourism/

Trochim, B. (2011, February 2). Research Method: Field research and types of observation. . Retrieved
from Staff.city.ac.uk:
http://www.staff.city.ac.uk/j.s.labonte/pdf/fieldandobservationresearch.pdf

Trust. (2017, August 15). 12 Must See Tourist Attractions In Lagos. Retrieved from Hotels.ng:
https://hotels.ng/guides/destinations/tourist-attractions-lagos/

Veal, & A. J. (2006). Research Method for Leisure and Tourism. A Practical Guide. Essex: Pearson
Education Limited.