Landmark Africa has kicked off the long-anticipated redevelopment of the iconic Nike Lake Resort in Enugu, rolling out a transformative vision backed by a ₦10 billion investment to reposition the historic property as a premier hospitality and tourism destination. This move signals a major shift in Landmark’s expansion strategy following its departure from Lagos and a renewed focus on new regions across Nigeria and the continent.

Announced via a video posted on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of Landmark Nike Lake Resort Enugu, the company offered the public a first-hand look into the renovation works currently underway. According to project stakeholders featured in the video, Phase A of the renovation is already 50% complete, with major interior and structural updates taking shape.

Major Upgrades Underway: From Cramped Quarters to Contemporary Comfort

The renovation, led by Landmark’s interior design team, targets core aspects of the resort’s ageing infrastructure, especially room aesthetics, outdated fixtures, and poor spatial layouts.

“At Landmark Nike Lake Resort in Enugu, we were commissioned to handle interior design, and so far, we have completed about 50% of the project,” said one of the project’s interior design leads. “We’ve removed outdated elements such as the old television sets and bed frames. These previous fixtures have been incorporated into our redesign concept, and have been taken out to make room for the new installations.”

Bathrooms were identified early as a priority, with the redesign requiring structural modifications to eliminate cramped toilet spaces. Interior designers explained that dwarf walls have been erected in preparation for full-height glass installations, bringing a sleek and modern feel to the rooms. The gypsum board ceilings have also been completed, and painting is expected to begin imminently.

“My vision is to elevate the space into something modern yet simple—classy but not excessive,” another contributor noted.

The current renovation phase reflects Landmark’s broader hospitality approach, which balances modern minimalism with comfort-driven design aimed at domestic and international travelers alike.

Strategic Partnership with Enugu State Government

This massive redevelopment follows a landmark joint venture agreement signed in January 2025 between the Landmark Africa Group and the Enugu State Government. Under the terms, the government contributed the 150-hectare lakeside Nike Lake Resort as an asset, while Landmark Africa secured a 35-year lease to manage, operate, and upgrade the property.

The ₦10 billion earmarked for this first phase covers:

• Full hotel room refurbishments

• Luxury waterfront villas

• Kids’ recreational park

• Beachfront lounges

• A variety of dining outlets

• Golf course development

• Modern event and conference spaces

This ambitious plan aims to restore Nike Lake Resort’s reputation as a cultural and tourism icon in southeastern Nigeria—one that previously attracted visitors from across the country and beyond before falling into disrepair over the years.

Fallout from Lagos: Pivot to Enugu and Rivers States

Landmark Africa’s expansion into Enugu comes on the heels of a major disruption in 2024 when its popular Landmark Beach Resort in Lagos was demolished as part of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. The sudden loss of its beachfront site—considered a major tourism hub in Lagos—forced Landmark to re-strategize its entire national operation.

In the wake of the demolition, Landmark announced plans to relocate its Nigerian headquarters and expand into three new states and two additional African countries. Expressions of interest reportedly poured in from 12 Nigerian governors, with Enugu and Rivers States emerging as the first confirmed locations.

In Rivers State, Landmark signed a partnership with the state government to redevelop the Port Harcourt Tourist Beach, mirroring the Nike Lake model. That project was scheduled to begin in early 2025, but as of July 2025, there has been no official update regarding the progress of renovations.

On-the-Ground Progress and Stakeholder Optimism

The recently released video update included interviews with key project staff such as the project manager and interior designer, who detailed the technical aspects and timeline of the renovations. These updates are part of Landmark’s effort to ensure transparency and public engagement as construction progresses.

The early feedback from residents and tourism advocates in Enugu has been positive, with many expressing hope that the revamp will inject much-needed vibrancy into the region’s hospitality industry and spur economic activity through tourism, job creation, and infrastructure investment.

Looking Ahead: A New Era for Regional Tourism?

Landmark’s development at Nike Lake marks a pivotal moment not just for the company, but for regional tourism in southeastern Nigeria, which has long been overshadowed by Lagos and Abuja. The repositioning of Nike Lake Resort could catalyze increased tourist traffic to Enugu and the surrounding states, particularly if supported by robust transportation infrastructure, marketing campaigns, and security assurances.

Moreover, the project underscores a growing recognition among Nigerian state governments of the private sector’s role in revitalizing dormant public assets. The 35-year lease model provides long-term certainty for both parties and paves the way for similar public-private partnerships elsewhere in the country.

For Landmark, this is more than just a business opportunity—it is a chance to demonstrate resilience and vision in the face of adversity. Having lost one of its crown jewels in Lagos, the company is now rewriting its legacy in new terrain, starting with the peaceful lakes of Enugu.

As Phase A nears completion and future phases kick off, Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sectors will be watching closely to see whether Landmark Nike Lake Resort can emerge as a blueprint for sustainable leisure investment and regional transformation.