Every August 19, World Photography Day is observed annually to honour the art form that documents memories, recounts tales, and bridges cultural divides. For tourists, photography is the lifeblood of the trip experience, not just a pastime. One picture has the power to capture a moment in time and make it a lasting memory, or it can encourage someone on the other side of the globe to travel to a place they have never been. However, that happiness is frequently short-lived for many visitors to Nigeria. They hear the dreaded words, “No pictures allowed here,” just as the camera emerges and a smile appears.
The Power of Images
Around the world, photography has been acknowledged as being essential to the expansion of tourism. In his seminal study “Understanding the Relationship between Tourism Destination Imagery and Tourist Photography”, Brian Garrod emphasises how photographs serve as both potent marketing tools and a means of preserving personal experiences. They also have an impact on how people view destinations through advertisements, brochures, and—more recently—social media.
John Adetola, a prominent travel photographer from Nigeria, concurs. For him, before people travel anywhere, they check out that place to be sure if they can have a great time there.
“This is where the art of photography comes in; it captures the moment and can act as a source of advertisement for that tourist site. Creative photography and videography of Nigerian tourist sites, especially when disseminated online, will attract international tourists, which would have a positive effect on the economy,” Adetola said.
Between Creativity and Restrictions
Restrictive laws, however, frequently get in the way in Nigeria. Adetola remembers visiting Olumo Rock: “I went to Olumo Rock some time ago, and I was told not to fly my drone on that site unless I make some payment. I was disappointed because I couldn’t express my creativity the way I wanted to. Other people would have taken pictures with their phones, and using drones would have brought a different and creative perspective. Rules like that affect the creation of creative content.”
He believes that regulations such as these deter artists who might otherwise give the country’s attractions free publicity. In order to grant content creators access to websites while also ensuring monitoring, he recommends that the government implement accreditation programmes or badges. Additionally, Adetola stated that citizens have a part in producing and disseminating content. According to him, allowing Nigerians to freely take pictures and share them with friends both domestically and abroad would increase tourism to these destinations.
The cultural dimension is highlighted by Moses Oghagbon, a tourism photographer: “Photography gives publicity to tourist sites, cultural festivals, and heritage for the world to see at large, thereby boosting tourism in the local and international spheres and generating revenue for the country.”
Oghagbon explains that the appeal of images showcasing Nigerian historical and cultural sites and celebrations draws in potential tourists and contributes to the preservation of tradition for coming generations.
Ekenimoh Prisca, a tourist advocate, adds that social media, advertising, videography, and photography used together may be among the most effective means of re-establishing Nigeria’s travel and tourism sector internationally.
Why Restrictions Exist
On a balanced scale, restrictions are not unique to Nigeria. In China, flash is prohibited around pandas for safety reasons; in Paris, the nightly light show at the Eiffel Tower is protected by copyright. Because of cultural respect, conservation requirements, or security considerations, certain locations in Nigeria have restrictions. For instance, museums are concerned about flashes damaging fragile artefacts, while shrines may view photography as obtrusive. Experts say the problem is ambiguity and inconsistency. Frequently, tourists come upon regulations that seem capricious, unclear, or driven more by profit than preservation.
A Path Forward
Instead of outright bans, travel industry professionals recommend more adaptable alternatives.
- Establish specific photo zones for delicate locations.
- Provide authorised tourism content makers with licences or badges.
- Before guests arrive, make sure the regulations about photography are well known.
- Cut down on administrative obstacles that deter travellers from promoting Nigerian travel.
World Photography Day
Nigeria is reminded of the dual functions of photography as a means of marketing and preserving memories as the world commemorates World Photography Day. Restrictions that silence the camera may also silence growth prospects at a time when Instagram feeds and viral photographs are frequently used by travellers to choose destinations. “When citizens are free to capture moments and share with their friends both locally and internationally, it would boost attraction to these tourist sites,” Adetola said. “Free publicity comes from photography.” On this international day honouring the power of the lens, the question still stands: Will Nigeria tighten its fist or accept it as one of its most effective tourism tools?
All Images Courtesy: Creative Splash and Awareness Day
