Analysis of Barriers to International Tourism in Nigeria: Perspectives of Visitors at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos

This study analyses the barriers inhibiting international tourism to Nigeria from the perspective of arriving international visitors at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, South West Nigeria. Despite Nigeria's rich natural and cultural tourism assets, the country continues to receive relatively low volumes of international tourists compared to peers in sub-Saharan Africa. A descriptive survey design is used with 180 international visitors administered a structured questionnaire in the arrivals hall. Barriers assessed include visa access difficulties, negative destination image, airport quality, safety perceptions, inadequate tourism infrastructure, and quality of tourism information. Findings reveal that visa processing difficulties are rated as the most significant entry barrier by 67 percent of respondents, followed by concerns about personal safety at 58 percent, limited international flight connectivity at 51 percent, and poor destination brand awareness at 44 percent. The airport experience, characterised by slow immigration clearance and limited passenger amenities, is identified as a source of negative first impressions. The study recommends expansion of Nigeria's e-visa programme, investment in airport upgrade projects, and a sustained international tourism reputation campaign coordinated by the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation. Bilateral aviation agreements to increase direct flight routes are also proposed as a priority intervention. Keywords: international tourism barriers, destination image, visa policy, Nigeria, airport experience