BY: Adeniyi Ogunfowoke

There is no gainsaying that Nigeria is endowed with lush green vegetation, faux and fauna, awesome tourist attractions, historical monuments and much more. Each Nigerian state has something to offer tourists.

The interesting thing here is that Nigerians have recognized this fact and are beginning to tour Nigeria. Efforts by Jumia’s hotel and flight marketplace through Jumia Travel is beginning to yield results. The online travel agency has been promoting Nigeria as an exciting tourist hub that you do not need to break the bank to visit. It has listed on its website packages to different local destinations. As an incentive to encourage local travel and support tour operators, the OTA opened up its platform to tour operators to list their tour packages.

Nevertheless, some Nigerians still think you cannot travel Nigeria on a budget. This is far from the truth. For $50 (19k) or less, you can explore some states. So, if you have been searching for a state (s) you can explore for less than the referenced amount, here are some of them.    

Ogun (Olumo Rock, Adire Market & the Presidential Library)

For Ogun state, $50 is too much especially if you reside in Lagos. It is very affordable to visit this southwestern state and of course, there is so much to do in the state’s capital – the ancient city of Abeokuta. One of Lagos next door neighbour’s most valuable possession is the Olumo Rock. The rock served as a source of refuge during the war era. There is also the Itoku Market where you can have a firsthand experience of how the indigenous traditional Adire is made. You can also explore the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.

Osun (Osun/Osogbo groove, Erin Ijesha Waterfall, and the Osun/Osogbo festival)

Osun is the cradle of the Yorubas’. As such it is revered by persons of Yoruba extraction. It is the bedrock of Yoruba culture and you can visit to see cultural sites and festivals to celebrate Osun state‘s very cultural background. On your itinerary, add a visit to the Unesco World Heritage site, Osun Osogbo groove, the popular Osun/Osogbo festival and experience nature at Erin-Ijesha Waterfall.

Calabar (The Calabar Carnival)

Calabar has so much to offer in terms of tourism. The state, over the years, has positioned itself as a must-visit for local and international tourists. Calabar, located in south-south Nigeria, has the Slave Museum, Statue of Mary Slessor, Calabar Drill Monkey Ranch, Agbokim Waterfall, the Obudu Cattle Ranch, Tinapa Resort, Waterfall and host Africa’s biggest street party, the Calabar Carnival. You cannot visit all these destinations for less than $50. You have to increase your budget. But with this said amount, you will comfortably visit any one of these destinations. And you decide to sleep, you can book a hotel for the best price here.

Lagos (Nigeria’s Commercial City)

Lagos is never a dull city. There are so many things to do in Lagos. There are destinations to explore, monuments to see, museums to visit, clubs to unwind, and beaches to pass time. Just ask for what you want to do and there is a spot or hub for it as far as it is legal. You will really have a swell time in Lagos.

Abia (Nigeria War Museum, New Yam & Mmanwu festival, Ariaria International Market)

Abia state in South East Nigeria is also a destination you can visit for $50. Dominated by the Igbos, and they hold their culture in high esteem. They have a handful of festivals to celebrate their cultural heritage: Mmanwu (masquerade festival), Museum of Colonial History, New Yam festival and others. You can also experience the industriousness of an ‘Abian’ by visiting one of the biggest markets in West Africa – The Ariaria International Market. And to round off your visit, go learn about the Biafran War at Nigeria War Museum. Due to the distance, it is advisable to go with a group of travellers to reduce costs.