Towards Sustainable Development: Architectural Dimensions of Heritage Site Development in Nigeria

Heritage-led architectural interventions can significantly boost sustainable urban tourism and economic diversification, particularly in Nigeria, where tourism contributes only 3.6% to GDP—below the African average of 6.7%. A study employing mixed methods, including semi-structured interviews, spatial analysis with AutoCAD, ArcGIS, Revit, and 3D Max, and case studies across sites like Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, revealed that contextually grounded heritage architecture—when integrated with local materials, community participation, and adaptive design—enhances livability, creates service-sector employment, and fosters environmental conservation. However, persistent barriers such as weak policy implementation, infrastructure deficits, and funding gaps hinder progress. The research recommends policy reform, public-private partnerships, and authenticity-based site management to unlock heritage tourism's potential for inclusive growth.

ADEBANJI KAYODE SUNDAY, OBI PAUL, ADEBAMOWO MICHAEL, ODUNJO O. O., & ANDREW AKINNUBI. (2026). TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: ARCHITECTURAL DIMENSIONS OF HERITAGE SITE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA. Journal of African Sustainable Development. https://doi.org/10.70382/bejasd.v12i2.064