Managing Tourism Sector in Nigeria through Privatization Strategy

Petroleum sector constitutes the mainstay of Nigerian economy. The risk potentials of this condition need not be overstressed. The recognition of positive impacts of tourism on economic development made Nigerian government to commit resources towards diversifying the economy through tourism development. The level of benefit so far derived from the sector does not justify the volume of investment because government plays domineering role in this sector management. Tourism development could rather be achieved if the ¡°public administration¡± style currently adopted is replaced with collaborative approach, herein referred to as ¡°partial privatization¡±. This approach prescribes government-private sector management process. By this strategy, each party would better understand its roles and responsibilities in the management of the sector; significant degree of prudence and probity would be demonstrated; tourist¡¯s needs would effectively be identified and satisfied; the sector would become attractive, viable and sustained.