Tourism as an Economic and Social Policy Instrument for National Security in Nigeria

Abstract

Tourism is increasingly recognised as an important contributor to economic growth, employment, livelihood diversification and social inclusion. Beyond its conventional role as a source of foreign exchange and recreational activity, tourism can support national security by strengthening household livelihoods, expanding employment opportunities, stimulating local economies and enhancing community resilience. This study examines tourism as an economic and social policy instrument for national security in Nigeria. The study is anchored on Human Security Theory, Human Capital Theory, Social Investment Theory and the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework. It relies on secondary data from international organisations, national institutions and relevant scholarly literature, with emphasis on evidence from 2021–2026. The study demonstrates that tourism has substantial economic and social value globally, contributing US$10.9 trillion to the world economy and supporting 357 million jobs in 2024. Evidence from Portugal and Spain demonstrates how tourism can be integrated into economic development, employment and social-cohesion policies, while experiences from Kenya and Rwanda illustrate its potential within African development strategies. In Nigeria, however, significant tourism resources coexist with widespread poverty, unemployment, infrastructure deficits and insecurity, limiting the sector's developmental contribution. The study argues that tourism should be repositioned within Nigeria's broader economic diversification, social-policy and preventive-security architecture. It recommends an integrated framework linking tourism investment with employment, community development, social protection, infrastructure, local enterprise and destination security.