TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF LOKOJA, NIGERIA

Tourism in Lokoja holds untapped potential to drive economic growth, cultural preservation and community empowerment in Kogi State, Nigeria. This study assessed the impact of tourist attractions on socio-economic development in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods approach, primary data were collected from 384 respondents including tourists and site managers across 14 tourist sites, complemented by direct observations, GPS mapping, and secondary data from government records and literature reviews. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and weighted means using SPSS version 27. The study revealed that tourism significantly contributes to local development by generating employment, fostering youth engagement, and promoting cultural identity. It was observed that 65.9% of respondents were youth under 35 years, highlighting strong youth engagement. Families (31.5%) and school groups (22.9%) constituted the largest visitor segments, emphasizing tourism’s educational and cultural appeal. Educational and cultural motivations attracted 29.1% of tourists, while entertainment and relaxation accounted for 22.4%. Tourism also stimulated local businesses, with 47.6% of respondents noting the emergence of hotels and motels, eateries (26.9%), and tour guiding services (25.5%). Employment figures showed that 148 staff are employed across key sites, underscoring tourism’s role in job creation. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited accessibility, and security concerns continue to constrain growth. Therefore, the study recommended targeted investments in infrastructure, enhanced security measures, and capacity-building programmes to empower local communities. These strategies are crucial to unlocking Lokoja’s tourism potential and ensuring sustainable socio-economic development and cultural preservation in the area