Published on
September 27, 2025
United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, and Ghana are stepping up as key players in the growth of Nigeria’s tourism sector. With the opening of Gateway International Airport in Iperu, Ogun State, on October 7, 2025, these countries, among others, are poised to make significant contributions to Nigeria’s hospitality industry. The new airport not only enhances accessibility to Nigeria’s vibrant cultural and historical destinations but also marks a pivotal shift in the country’s tourism infrastructure. Airlines from these nations are already planning to expand routes, bringing a surge of international travelers eager to explore Nigeria’s diverse offerings. As Gateway International Airport opens its doors, it signals a new era for Nigeria’s tourism, with the potential to transform both the local and national economy by attracting a wider range of tourists and fostering greater international connections.
United States Joins with United Kingdom, South Africa, and Ghana
Due to the recently opened Gateway International Airport in Iperu, Ogun State, the introduction of flights from the US, UK, South Africa, and Ghana, Nigeria’s tourism industry will have increased international flights. As of October 7, 2025, Gateway International Airport will start its commercial operations. International airlines will begin to add more flights, thereby increasing the capacity of Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism industry. This development will enhance Nigeria’s appeal to tourists and improve the international image of Nigeria’s tourism industry.
Gateway International Airport: Pioneering the Growth of Nigerian Tourism
With Nigeria’s Gateway International Airport operating in full capacity, the nation’s tourism industry will have significantly increased potential. As one of the longest and widest runways in West Africa, the Gateway Airport runway will allow wide-bodied airliners, the Boeing 777 and Airbus 350, to land; providing Nigeria increased potential to appeal to international travelers. This further cements Nigeria’s position in the international air transport sector.Until recently, the country’s tourism possibilities remained constrained by limited international flights and over-crowded airports in Lagos and Ibadan. However, the Gateway International Airport has the potential to alleviate the pressure on major country airports while opening access to Nigeria’s rich culture to international tourists.
United States Joins United Kingdom, South Africa, and Ghana: New Routes Set to Expand Nigeria’s Hospitality Industry
Airlines from the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, and Ghana are looking to Gateway International Airport as a launching point to expand their operations to Nigeria. This is particularly encouraging news for the Nigerian hospitality sector as it points to new potential international tourism.
American Airlines: New direct flights between Nigeria and the United States will likely bring new tourists to Nigeria from the United States. Given the strong cultural ties, especially with the Nigerian diaspora, this route is particularly promising. Gateway International Airport will give American tourists more options to explore Nigeria as Delta Air Lines and United Airlines extend their operations to Lagos and Abuja.
British Airways With the acquisition of Gateway International Airport, the UK continues to be one of the largest contributors to Nigeria’s inbound international tourism. British Airways, one of Nigeria’s most longstanding international carriers, will be able to offer increased frequency on routes to Nigeria. This will make travel to Nigeria much easier for British tourists interested in Nigeria’s rich heritage, wildlife, and thriving arts.
South African Airways With an increase in Africa tourism and the opening of Gateway International Airport, South African Airways increase their routes to Nigeria. This will improve travel from Southern Africa to Gateway International Airport in Nigeria, from where they will be able to reach unique parts of Nigeria, be it the historical riches in the South, or the vibrant bustling Lagos. Gateway International Airport will get South African tourists to Nigeria quicker.
ValueJet Ghana’s historical economic and cultural relations to Nigeria and the increased frequency on the ValueJet route will greatly benefit Ghanaian tourists arriving from Gateway International Airport. This will get tourists to the most important tourism destinations in Nigeria more directly and with much more flexible travel.
Gateway International Airport: A Strategic Location for Tourists
The first advantage of Gateway International Airport is its location. Being close to the Sagamu Interchange and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway means the airport provides tourists with easy access roads to Lagos and Ibadan, which are two of the largest cities in Nigeria. This location allows travelers to access tourist destinations in the southwestern Nigeria with no difficulty at all.
But more than its nearness to the major metropolitan areas in Nigeria, Gateway International Airport is closely linked to the country’s cultural and tourist natural attractions. Ogun State, in which the airport is located, has its own attractions, like the Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, and Kemta Adire Market. Also, the many eco-tourism offerings in Nigeria, her wildlife reserves and natural parks, will be more accessible to international travelers with the opening of this airport.
Nigeria’s Hospitality Industry Set for Growth
New international flights bring new opportunities to the hospitality industry and Nigeria’s is no exception. International Gateway will bring more international tourists to Ogun State which will result in new investments in hotels, resorts, and other hospitality services in the accomodation industry in Ogun State and other parts of Nigeria. Increased bookings and more visitors will be the norm as developers and operators seek to capture the burgeoning opportunity in quality hospitality.
Nigerian hospitality markets will likely witness the entry of international firms. These include marquee hotel establishments, such as Marriott, Hilton, and Radisson Blu, which may show interest in Nigeria’s expanding market. Also, the growing niche segment of boutique hotels, eco-friendly lodges, and culturally immersive guesthouses will provide an assortment of options to accommodate tourists.
The tourism boom will further engender profits for local Nigerian hospitality providers. Smaller hotels, guesthouses, and bed-and-breakfast contracts will be able to service international tourists seeking lower-priced options or a more authentic Nigerian experience. Moreover, growing interest in internal tourism will likely trigger further enhancements to rural and regional tourism, which will further diversify Nigeria’s hospitality industry.
Guidelines for Tourists Visiting Nigeria via Gateway International Airport
Gateway International Airport, Nigeria, is now ready for international visitors. Here are a few tips to prepare you for your visit to Nigeria:
Visa and other needed Documents: Most international entrants to Nigeria will need a visa before entry. Ensure you check your countries specific entry requirements, type and apply for the needed visa well in advance. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your expected exit from Nigeria.Health Precautions: Visitors to Nigeria are recommended to be vaccinated against yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A. Travelers should see a healthcare professional concerning any needed immunizations and the necessary health documents for their trip.Currency: Nigeria uses the Naira (NGN) as its legal tender. Although most places in the bigger cities accept international payments via visa and master cards, it is advisable to have some cash especially when traveling to the less populated areas of the country. Most Urban areas of Nigeria have ATMs. You can also exchange currency at authorized currency exchange centers.Safety: Like any other destination, Nigeria has safe and safe regions. Being informed of the local conditions, until you reach Nigeria, is important. Safe and unsafe regions of Nigeria will require different levels of caution. Use your home country travel alerts and consider using local tour companies of good repute.Local Etiquette: Nigeria is made up of different ethnic groups. Nigeria has made contact with many different local customs. Use some of the local customs that you have learned and some of the language of Nigeria, either Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa. These will make your journey and integration with the local population more meaningful.Transportation: Public transportation in Nigeria varies largely. There are reliable alternatives, such as trucks and the more modern ride-hailing apps, which are available in bigger primitive cities. More primitive regions have stronger formation of the older and unsafe transportation. For your own peace and safety, arrange for airport pick up privatized transportation.The Future of Nigeria’s Tourism is Here
The new Gateway International Airport is a new beginning for Nigeria’s tourism sector. The country is one of the new tourism destinations promoted by the Africa Tourism Development Conference. With its new international Airport, the increasing number of international flights, the expanding hospitality sector, and the unique landscapes of Nigeria, the country is becoming one of the most sought tourism destinations in Africa. Regardless of whether you are exploring the famous rich culture of Nigeria or experiencing the beautiful landscapes, Gateway International Airport is the new entry pointer to the country.
United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, and Ghana are set to drive Nigeria’s tourism growth with new flights to Gateway International Airport. This development promises to boost the country’s hospitality industry and enhance global connectivity.
With the increased integration of Nigeria’s tourism industry, Gateway International Airport is transitionally becoming the hospitality sector service center for every long-haul international travelers. With the improved hospitality sector linkages and changing flight accessibility and convenience through Gateway International Airport, tourism hospitality sector in Nigeria will expand and stimulate new business opportunities. So get ready and explore the infinite hospitality Nigeria to offer through Gateway International Airport!
