Enugu State is taking bold steps to establish itself as one of Nigeria’s premier tourism destinations, following the path of tourism-driven states like Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, and Ekiti. A sweeping tourism development initiative has just been approved by the Enugu State Executive Council under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah, marking a new phase in the state’s economic and cultural transformation.
The first phase of the project includes the construction of a zipline, three canopy walkways, a cable car system, a luxury lake resort, a water park, and what is set to be the tallest cross in Africa. Some of these attractions are expected to be delivered before the end of the year.
This landmark development is credited to the vision and commitment of Governor Mbah and the active engagement of the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, who have worked diligently to place tourism at the heart of the state’s development agenda.
Almost a year ago, tourism experts were invited to explore the three senatorial zones of the state. During this comprehensive tour, they identified several natural attractions—ranging from caves and waterfalls to scenic lakes—that hold significant potential for eco-tourism and adventure-based experiences. Governor Mbah reportedly showed strong interest in the expert recommendations, launching a rigorous process that has now culminated in the recent approval.
Ambassador Nkechi Uko, a travel and tourism expert and Chief Consultant at Jedidah Promotions, commended the initiative, describing Enugu as a geological and geomorphological wonder ideal for sustainable tourism development. According to him, “The new projects could unlock Enugu’s long-untapped tourism potential.” He said
As implementation kicks off, stakeholders and tourism advocates remain optimistic that Enugu will boost its local economy while offering both Nigerian and international tourists a vibrant new destination on the nation’s tourism map.
