Tinapa Resort once hailed as one of Nigeria’s grandest ambitions for tourism and economic growth, now stands as a ghost of its former self. Located in Calabar, Cross River State, the resort was launched in 2007 with the promise of transforming Nigeria into a leading tourist destination. However, over time, the grand vision has slowly unravelled due to a series of financial, managerial, and infrastructural challenges. This article delves into the rise, fall, and current state of Tinapa Resort, examining what went wrong and why this once-promising monument to Nigeria’s tourism aspirations is now a shadow of its intended purpose.
The Rise of Tinapa Resort
In the early 2000s, the government of Cross River State, led by Governor Donald Duke, envisioned Tinapa Resort as a cornerstone of the state’s development. The resort was designed to be a multi-functional complex, combining tourism, entertainment, and commercial activity. It was expected to become a key player in the Nigerian tourism industry, attracting both local and international visitors, boosting the regional economy, and providing job opportunities.

Some of Tinapa’s key features included:
Duty-Free Shopping Mall: Designed to cater to international tourists, with tax exemptions on imported goods, positioning Tinapa as a shopping destination akin to Dubai’s commercial hubs.
Entertainment Complex: Equipped with cinemas, restaurants, and leisure areas for visitors.
Conference and Exhibition Centre: Intended to host international conferences and trade shows, positioning the resort as a business tourism hub.
Hotels and Resorts: A luxury hotel with facilities to accommodate both business travellers and tourists.

Film Studio: Designed to provide state-of-the-art facilities for the Nigerian film industry (Nollywood).
With the combination of these attractions, Tinapa promised to become a world-class destination, not just for tourism but also for business. The expectation was that it would generate significant revenue, contribute to local development, and provide a model for similar projects in Nigeria.

What Went Wrong?
Despite the grandiose plans, Tinapa Resort has largely failed to meet expectations. Several factors contributed to its decline, and ultimately, the resort is now an underused facility, with much of the complex sitting in neglect. Here are the key reasons behind the downfall of Tinapa:
1. Financial and Economic Challenges
From the outset, Tinapa was a major financial investment. However, its operations were undermined by financial difficulties. Although initially funded by the Cross River State government, the resort struggled to generate the expected revenue from tourism, retail, and conferences. High operational costs, poor financial management, and a reliance on government funding meant that Tinapa could not sustain itself.
The resort also faced cash flow problems, with insufficient investment and inconsistent revenue generation. Although the duty-free mall and hotels attracted some visitors, they failed to generate the level of commercial activity needed to keep the resort thriving. The lack of a robust revenue model meant that Tinapa could not weather economic downturns, and without a steady stream of income, its facilities began to deteriorate.

2. Management and Operational Issues
Poor management and operational inefficiencies played a significant role in the resort’s downfall. Despite the massive infrastructure investment, the management team at Tinapa struggled to keep the complex running smoothly. The resort’s facilities were not well-maintained, and basic services such as power supply and water were often unreliable. This made it difficult for visitors to have a consistent and enjoyable experience, leading to a decline in footfall.
Additionally, there was a lack of strategic direction for the resort. The initial vision for Tinapa as a multi-functional complex was not fully realised. The film studio, a unique feature of the resort, remained largely underutilised. The conference centre, which could have been a significant income source, was rarely booked for major events. Over time, Tinapa became less of a focal point for tourists and businesses alike.

3. Infrastructure and Accessibility Problems
One of the biggest challenges faced by Tinapa was its location. While Calabar is a culturally rich and historically significant city, it lacked the level of infrastructure and connectivity needed to support a large-scale tourism hub. The resort is located far from major international airports, with Calabar International Airport offering limited flights compared to other Nigerian cities like Lagos or Abuja. Visitors faced challenges in accessing the resort, which undermined its potential as a major tourist destination.
The resort also faced power outages and inconsistent utilities, making it difficult for businesses within the complex to thrive. The lack of reliable infrastructure hampered Tinapa’s ability to operate effectively and provide a high-quality experience for visitors.

4. Competition and Changing Priorities
Tinapa faced increasing competition from other tourism and business centres in Nigeria and beyond. Cities like Lagos and Abuja began to emerge as more attractive options for international conferences, leisure tourism, and business opportunities. These cities offered better infrastructure, improved access to international flights, and a more vibrant cultural scene, making it difficult for Tinapa to compete.
Furthermore, changing government priorities and leadership shifts in Cross River State led to a lack of sustained political will to support the project. After the initial enthusiasm of Governor Duke’s administration, subsequent leadership changes led to reduced attention and funding for Tinapa, and the resort fell into neglect.
5. Underdeveloped Tourism Infrastructure
Despite the promises made about Tinapa’s tourism potential, the resort failed to develop the necessary tourism infrastructure that would attract a steady stream of visitors. Although it boasted a duty-free shopping mall and entertainment facilities, Tinapa lacked a well-rounded tourist experience. The absence of cultural attractions, insufficient development of its leisure offerings, and a failure to market the resort effectively to both domestic and international tourists meant that Tinapa could not position itself as a leading destination.

The Current State of Tinapa Resort
Today, Tinapa stands as a symbol of unrealised potential. Much of the resort complex is underutilised or abandoned, with empty shopping stalls, unused conference halls, and a largely deserted leisure area. The once-bustling Tinapa Water Park is now neglected, and many of the original buildings show signs of disrepair.
Although there have been calls for the resort’s revival, it remains a forgotten landmark, overshadowed by other commercial and tourist hubs in Nigeria. Attempts to attract private investors and revive the resort have yet to produce significant results.
What Needs to Happen for Tinapa to Revive?
For Tinapa to truly live up to its potential, it will require substantial investment in both infrastructure and management. The state government will need to work closely with private sector partners to revitalise the resort and ensure that it is well-maintained and equipped to attract visitors. Improving access to the resort, enhancing the cultural and entertainment offerings, and positioning Tinapa as a business and leisure hub for both locals and foreigners could help it reclaim its relevance.
Moreover, Nigeria’s tourism sector as a whole needs to be restructured, with an emphasis on long-term sustainability, effective governance, and a reliable infrastructure network to support resorts like Tinapa.
Conclusion
Tinapa Resort’s decline is a case study in the challenges faced by large-scale infrastructure projects in Nigeria. While it was once touted as a transformative project for tourism and economic growth, mismanagement, financial difficulties, and lack of political will have left it in a state of disrepair. Despite these setbacks, there is still potential for the resort to be revived, provided there is concerted effort, investment, and a long-term strategy to tap into Nigeria’s rich tourism potential. Until then, Tinapa will remain a monument to what could have been.
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