Landmark Africa is stepping up with an expansion plan that includes 12 other states across Nigeria.
Some of the new States include Enugu, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Plateau, Ogun, Cross Rivers and FCT Abuja. Information said they are also exploring other cities that have demonstrated strong demand for mixed-use developments and lifestyle hubs.On 16th January, 2025, Landmark Africa Group announced a 35-year lease agreement and an initial ₦10 billion investment with the Enugu State Government to manage and revitalise the iconic Nike Lake Resort. Additionally, the group received approval from the Rivers State Government to redevelop the Port Harcourt Tourist Beach. Nike Lake Resort This is a hospitality development located in Enugu, Nigeria. Its Construction commenced in 1987 by the former Anambra State government as part of an effort to develop a world-class tourist destination. The resort encompasses approximately 150 hectares (370 acres) of lush grounds surrounding the serene Nike Lake. CEO Landmark, Paul Onwuanibe described the site as an existing facility with over 200 hotel rooms and a historic lake within the site. “Enugu’s Nike Lake Resort is rich in history and natural beauty. It has been a cherished destination for many reasons, and we see great potential in elevating it to a premier tourist hub,” he explained. Spanning over 100 hectares, the resort was already operational, with 310 staff members and an active guest presence, when Landmark Africa took over on March 1st, 2025.The transformation of Nike Lake Resort will be a carefully curated process. “The first step is to understand what is working and what needs improvement. We are reinforcing our staff through training, assessing necessary changes, and curating new experiences that align with our vision. Our goal is to make Nike Lake Resort a true destination platform, offering an unparalleled experience in eco-tourism and leisure,” Onwuanibe revealed. The Port Harcourt Tourist BeachThe Beach developed in 1988, is an artificial white sand beach nestled along the Kolabi Creek in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Positioned east of the Old Township district, it provides a peaceful retreat for both visitors and residents. Onwuanibe outlined the project in three key phases: curation and site preparation, shoreline and waterworks, and construction and operations.“I look at this in three phases: the first phase is the curation, then the construction phase, and then the operational phase. The first thing was to establish all our community relations, clear out the debris, and begin to buttress the site. We’ve done the first phase of the design as well. We’re looking to begin construction as soon as we finish with the waterworks, you know, because there’s a bit of the water we’ve got to clean, there’s some dredging we’ve got to do, and there’s some shoreline works that we’ve got to do,” he mentioned.The Port Harcourt Tourist Beach is a moderate distance from Port Harcourt’s key neighbourhoods, with an average distance of 8.31kilo metre, making it fairly accessible for visitors from both residential and commercial areas.While Landmark Africa confirmed its expansion into several other Nigerian states, the specific project timelines and exact locations were not disclosed. As plans continue to unfold, we hope that more detailed information will be communicated to the public in due course.The West African ExpansionLandmark Africa has set its sights on Anglophone West African countries beyond Nigeria, including Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.A quote showing Landmark Africa’s growth trajectory as stated by its CEO said “At this stage of Landmark’s geographic diversification, the focus remains on West Africa rather than the entire continent”. On why only Anglophone countries he said:“We have decided to first restrict our expansion to West Africa, specifically to coastal countries along the West African seaboard. “When starting a process of expansion, you have to expand in places that are familiar to you. You need to find people who think like you, act like you, behave like you, and who like you.” This decision aligns with Landmark’s mission to take its most profitable sectors—hospitality, leisure, and events into key cities while actively promoting tourism within West Africa by and for Africans.Landmark Africa Builds Strategic Alliances With Local StakeholdersGiven the unique economic and business landscapes of these new locations, each distinct from the vibrant ecosystem of Lagos, we asked Paul Onwuanibe how he plans to navigate these unfamiliar terrains. He acknowledged that while these cities may be underserved compared to Lagos, every region presents opportunities and challenges.“I remember a quote that says, ‘Think global, act local.’ Every region, every state, every city, and even every neighbourhood has its opportunities and threats,” he stated According to him Lagos is no different, and neither are the cities we are expanding into. The biggest difference is population, but at the core, people everywhere have the same fundamental needs—they need a place to live, to work, and to play. The key is identifying the unique opportunities in each location and figuring out how to leverage them effectively.”Asked about the strategies Landmark Africa is implementing to navigate these new markets, Onwuanibe emphasised the importance of local collaboration and strong partnerships.“Our first step is always to find local partners- people who think like us, understand the market, and share our vision. This helps us gain deeper insights into each region and ensures that our developments reflect the unique character of their locations,” he explained. “We also invest heavily in local talent, ensuring that whatever we build is not just an extension of Landmark but a true representation of the communities we serve.”Beyond just offering premier destinations, Onwuanibe hopes Landmark’s expansion will influence market trends. “We believe we’ll set a precedent in shaping consumer preferences and inspiring others to follow in our footsteps.In his words: “Ultimately, the ability to balance cultural integration and world-class standardisation underscores both the possibilities and complexities involved in revitalising tourism in the region”.
