Landmark Africa Group, a prominent name in tourism and real estate, has partnered with the Enugu State Government to revitalize the 150-hectare Nike Lake Resort, aiming to create a premier tourism and leisure destination in Nigeria’s South East.
The agreement, signed on January 16, 2025, between Landmark Africa CEO Paul Onwuanibe and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, signifies a strategic pivot for the company following significant setbacks in Lagos.
The joint venture will see the Enugu State Government contributing Nike Lake Resort as an asset, while Landmark Africa will manage and operate the facility, transforming it into a world-class leisure destination.
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Onwuanibe, speaking at the signing, expressed confidence in Enugu’s potential to become the tourism and hospitality capital of the South East and possibly Nigeria.
“We feel there is a big opportunity, not just because the state is a progressive state, but on the basis that Enugu State very much can become the tourism and hospitality capital of the South East, and probably of Nigeria,” he remarked.
Recalling the resort’s prominence during his university days in Enugu, Onwuanibe emphasized Landmark’s commitment to restoring its former glory. The project aims to combine hotel accommodations, a convention center, and a leisure tourist destination, leveraging Landmark’s expertise in creating integrated business, leisure, and lifestyle platforms.
While reports have suggested a 35-year lease agreement, neither Landmark Africa nor the Enugu State Government has released an official statement giving details of the deal.
Landmark’s Move to the East
Landmark Africa’s decision to relocate its operations to Nigeria’s eastern region stems from significant safety concerns, particularly following the demolition of its flagship Landmark Beach Resort in Lagos in 2024. The beach resort, which had become a symbol of leisure and innovation in Lagos, was demolished to make way for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, forcing the company to reevaluate its presence in the region.
The demolition underscored growing concerns about the unpredictability of large-scale investments in Lagos, particularly for businesses reliant on government cooperation.
The Nike Lake Resort project is part of Landmark Africa’s broader expansion strategy, which includes ventures in Port Harcourt and other regions across Africa. The company recently announced plans to redevelop the Port Harcourt Tourist Beach into a premier leisure and tourism destination in collaboration with the Rivers State Government.
Work on the Port Harcourt project is set to begin in the first quarter of 2025, with phased completion expected by the fourth quarter.
Landmark Africa’s shift to the East is driven by a belief that the region offers a more stable and business-friendly environment.
The partnership with Landmark Africa aligns with Governor Peter Mbah’s vision of leveraging public-private partnerships to drive economic growth in Enugu State. The revamped Nike Lake Resort is expected to attract domestic and international tourists, create jobs, and boost the local economy.
Industry insiders believe that the Enugu and Rivers State Governments, both of which have embraced Landmark Africa’s projects, are better positioned to ensure the safety and protection of the company’s investments. The collaborative nature of the agreements with these states is seen as a stark contrast to the challenges faced in Lagos, where Landmark’s operations were disrupted despite its significant contributions to the city’s economy.
In addition to its Nigerian expansion, Landmark Africa is also exploring opportunities in two other African countries and three additional Nigerian states. After receiving expressions of interest from 12 states, the company selected three for new ventures following a rigorous six-month evaluation process. Enugu and Rivers States have been confirmed, with the third state to be announced soon.