The Department of Tourism is responsible for the development, promotion, and management of tourism in Benue State. Tourism development in the state dates back to 1976, when Benue State was created and government began to recognize tourism as a strategic sector for economic growth, employment generation, and revenue diversification.
Benue State is richly endowed with diverse natural, cultural, and man-made attractions, including scenic hills, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, caves, wildlife, historical monuments, agricultural landscapes, and hospitality facilities. Popularly known as “The Food Basket of the Nation,” Benue combines agricultural abundance with tourism potential, offering visitors unique eco-tourism, cultural tourism, leisure, and heritage experiences.
Under the Bureau for Arts, Culture and Tourism, the Department of Tourism provides policy direction, planning, coordination, and promotion of tourism assets, while creating an enabling environment for private sector investment and sustainable tourism development across the state.
Benue State boasts numerous tourism attractions including:
Natural sites such as Ushongo Hills, Ngokur Hills, Enemabia Warm Spring, Mbatoho Island, and major river confluences.
Historical landmarks including Tor Tiv Tomb, J.S. Tarka Tomb, colonial railway bridges, and heritage structures.
Recreational and leisure destinations such as Ikwe Holiday Resort, Ikyogen Cattle Ranch, Makurdi River Beach, parks, gardens, and golf courses.
Hospitality infrastructure including hotels, resorts, cultural centres, and conference facilities across Makurdi and other locations.
The Department coordinates and promotes tourism-driven events such as:
Akata Fishing and Cultural Festival
Benue Carnival and BENFEST
Kwagh-Hir Puppet and Mami Water Festival
World Tourism Day Celebrations
Tiv Day, Jukun Day, and Ele-Alekwu Festival
Igede Agba Yam Festival
Food Basket Festival
River Beach Sports and Cultural Shows
The Tourism Department welcomes partnerships and investments in tourism infrastructure, hospitality, eco-tourism, recreation, and cultural tourism. Investors are encouraged to engage with the Bureau to explore opportunities that unlock Benue State’s vast tourism potential.
The Department of Tourism is mandated to:
Develop and Promote Tourist Attractions: Identify, develop, and promote natural, historical, cultural, and recreational tourist sites across Benue State.
Tourism Marketing and Branding: Market Benue State as a preferred tourism destination through local, national, and international promotion initiatives.
Tourism Planning and Research: Conduct tourism research, documentation, and planning to support evidence-based policy formulation and sustainable tourism development.
Festival and Event Promotion: Coordinate tourism-focused festivals, carnivals, cultural events, and commemorative celebrations that attract visitors and boost local economies.
Hospitality and Tourism Enterprise Development: Support the growth and regulation of hotels, resorts, parks, recreational centres, and tourism-related businesses.
Investment Facilitation: Encourage and guide local and international investors interested in tourism development projects in Benue State.
Transport and Travel Coordination: Support tourism mobility and travel logistics in collaboration with relevant agencies and stakeholders.
Capacity Building and Training: Collaborate with institutions such as the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) to develop skilled manpower for the tourism and hospitality industry.
To effectively deliver its mandate, the Department operates through the following units:
Marketing and Promotion
Transport and Travel
Planning, Research, and Documentation
Zoological Garden
Hospitality and Tourism Enterprises
Benue Hotels and Resorts
National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR)
