• Paris. London. Tokyo. New York. No doubt these are the kind of names that appear on your list of dream destinations. Well, it is not entirely your fault that a beautiful country like Nigeria didn’t make your list; the press has not helped matters. 

    But there is still room for an adjustment and there is enough room on that note pad to squeeze in Nigeria – a country that can be compared to nowhere else. It is either you have visited Nigeria or you have not, there is no middle ground or fences.

    There is no denying the fact that that there are a lot of negative things about Nigeria in the news; but again, there is a lot of negative stuff about France, the United Kingdom, Japan and the United States of America also, isn’t there?

    Here are half a dozen reasons why you should consider visiting Nigeria if you haven’t. Thank us later.

    1. The Geography and Landscape 

    No matter what your fascinations are, there is something for you in Nigeria. Plateaus, mountains, ocean, rivers, hills, waterfalls, wildlife, name it. Nigeria is a blessed country when it comes to natural and geographical heritage.

    The large country which is home to over 190 million people is divided into 36 states (and the capital city making it 37). Each state has a peculiar natural heritage that will surely take your breath away. From the lavish beaches in Lagos state to the hills in Osun State, the hand-dug moats surrounding the kingdom of Bini in Edo State, the River Niger and River Benue, the Plateaus, parks, name it.

    If you appreciate nature, then look no further.

    2. Rich Tradition and Cultural Heritage

    Often referred to as the hub of African culture and tradition, Nigeria is perhaps Africa’s most blessed country in the aspect of cultural diversity.

    The country has the third highest number of languages and tribes in the world, with 527 of them. Each has a rich cultural heritage and a tradition different from the other. Although they all pose an African undertone, the diversity is a beauty and if you are one who loves to learn about the culture, tradition, and heritage of others, then you have about 600 of such waiting for you in Nigeria. We bet you won’t be able to exhaust it all in one visit though.

    3. The Entertainment 

    PriceWaterhouseCoopers in its latest report rated Nigeria as the country with the potential to lead the entertainment world within the next decade. Sitting behind only Hollywood and Bollywood in size at the moment, the country’s entertainment industry which is only a little representation of its underlining rich entertainment history continues to hold the world spellbound. Its music and movies are arguably one of the most exciting things about the country.

    From the old to the young and no matter your taste, there is a Nigerian artiste that would blow your mind away.

    4. The Night Life

    There are over two dozen cities in Nigeria that never sleeps. Nigerian nightlife is completely electric. This is why the country continues to be one of the biggest commercial nerves on the continent. You can buy, sell, relax, party and transact at any time!

    If you say Nigerians are the loudest party freaks on the continent, you won’t be wrong. Every occasion is a celebration. The birth of a child, naming ceremony, burial, remembrance, apprenticeship graduation, wedding, etc. Nigerians party big and every celebration is an opportunity to feed the entire community and stage a lavish party.

    You haven’t been to a party or else you have been to a Nigerian party!

    5. The Food 

    Who wouldn’t want to visit a country that boasts of over a thousand indigenous delicacies? It is on record that Nigeria has some of the healthiest foods and food combinations on the planet!

    The entire country is bubbling with eateries and restaurants, an indication that the country takes matters of the stomach very seriously. It is considered impolite for a Nigerian family not to offer food and drinks to guests. So, at any time of the day you visit a Nigeria family, a meal and lots of drinks are served.

    Hint: When you visit, ask your host for some Suya. This special barbecued beef made with a special local spice will give your taste buds a treat they will never forget. You can thank us in advance.

    6. The People: Nigerians are good, happy and friendly people. Despite the hardship and suffering in many parts of the country, they have a genuine smile you will see nowhere else and it comes so effortlessly.

    Nigerians welcome strangers and are eager to show you around, make you feel comfortable and teach you their language. So trust us when we say you will learn a few words of a Nigerian dialect depending on where you visit.

    Nigerians are natural caregivers and are born professionals when it comes to hospitality.

    So, what are you waiting for? Take out your pens and include Nigeria on your list of dream destinations. You won’t regret it!

    Header Image Credit: