Opinion, Tourism
By Okorie Uguru
TARABA State has long been known as “Nature’s Gift to the Nation,” blessed with vast landscapes, fertile land and some of Nigeria’s most remarkable natural attractions. Under Gov. Agbu Kefas, the state is now pursuing an ambitious strategy to transform these natural assets into a globally competitive ecotourism economy.
Covering about 54,000 square kilometres, Taraba is Nigeria’s third-largest state by landmass. From the lush forests of the Gashaka-Gumti National Park to the rolling hills of the Mambilla Plateau, the state possesses diverse ecological attractions capable of attracting both domestic and international visitors.
While the Kefas administration has continued to prioritise agriculture, including securing a ₦400 billion financing package from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) to boost mechanisation, food security and rural employment, the governor is simultaneously investing in tourism as another pillar of economic diversification.
Central to this vision is the deliberate establishment of the Taraba State Ministry of Ecotourism and Heritage, a move designed to position the state around its comparative advantage in nature-based and heritage tourism.
The flagship initiative is a large-scale public-private partnership with La Campagne Tropicana Resort Group, Africa’s pioneer African-themed resort brand, to develop a network of agro-ecotourism resorts across the state.
The Taraba State Government has allocated approximately 2,500 hectares of land spread across 12 strategic locations for the project.
The sites include Zangon Kombi near Danbaba Suntai Airport in Jalingo, Nwonyo Lake in Ibi, Mahula in Bali, Gayam and Mayo Selbe in Gashaka, Biyudasisi and Gurgu on the Mambilla Plateau, Abong in Kurmi Local Government Area, Nagadasda and Gasol, among others.
The development combines tourism, agriculture, leisure and heritage into a single integrated model aimed at attracting visitors while stimulating local economic activities.
Although still under construction, several eco-friendly accommodation facilities have already been completed, while recreational infrastructure including quad bikes, fishing boats and jet skis has been installed at some locations.
Industry observers believe the project could significantly expand tourism activities in northern Nigeria by introducing modern recreational facilities rarely associated with the region.
Speaking during an inspection of one of the project sites, Gov. Kefas expressed satisfaction with the pace of work and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the initiative.
“By the grace of God, Taraba will become a centre for peace, unity, food security and everything that is good. We will provide every necessary support to make the state a leading tourist destination,” he said.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, after visiting one of the project sites, described the initiative as historic.
According to him, the collaboration between Taraba State and La Campagne Tropicana Resort Group aligns with efforts to reconnect Africans in the diaspora with the continent through tourism, culture and heritage.
Mutfwang commended Kefas for establishing a dedicated Ministry of Heritage and Ecotourism, describing it as evidence of visionary leadership aimed at preserving cultural heritage while unlocking the state’s enormous tourism potential.
Founder of La Campagne Tropicana Resort Group, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, said the project seeks to redefine tourism by integrating agriculture, entertainment and heritage into one sustainable ecosystem.
According to him, the model is designed to make agriculture attractive to young people while simultaneously positioning Taraba as a destination for Africans in the diaspora seeking cultural reconnection.
He noted that the allocation of 2,500 hectares for heritage ecotourism represented one of the largest government commitments to tourism development in Nigeria.
Akinboboye said the project could eventually attract thousands of international visitors annually, create retirement communities for Africans in the diaspora, generate employment and stimulate investments across hospitality, agriculture and real estate.
He also highlighted the introduction of water sports facilities such as jet skis and quad bikes, describing them as innovations that could reshape tourism offerings across northern Nigeria.
Beyond the resort developments, Taraba offers numerous attractions that strengthen its tourism appeal.
The state is home to Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Nigeria’s largest national park, and Chappal Waddi, the country’s highest mountain peak.
The Mambilla Plateau, located at an altitude of about 1,800 metres, offers a temperate climate, expansive tea plantations and spectacular scenery rarely found elsewhere in Nigeria.
Visitors can also experience cultural attractions including the annual Nwonyo Fishing Festival in Ibi, the Marmara Crocodile Pond in Wukari and several traditional festivals showcasing the state’s rich cultural diversity.
Supporters of the initiative believe that by focusing on ecotourism and heritage, rather than conventional mass tourism, Taraba is carving out a distinctive niche capable of attracting environmentally conscious travellers and cultural tourists from across Africa and beyond.
If fully implemented, the agro-ecotourism initiative could become one of Nigeria’s largest tourism investments, diversifying Taraba’s economy, creating jobs, encouraging private investment and strengthening the state’s position as one of Africa’s emerging ecotourism destinations.
F.O
Tags: Ecotourism Kefas Taraba