Kogi State has very unique potentials in tourism. The state is richly endowed with cultural attractions, historical relics as well as natural tourist features. Indeed, Lokoja, the state capital was the first capital of the colonial administration of Lord Lugard in Nigeria. Also, Lokoja was the first trading post for the Royal Niger Company (now UAC of Nigeria, and the town also played significant roles during the early missionary activities in West Africa and the abolition of slave trade.

Lokoja, therefore, labours such historical monuments as the Iron of Liberty (the point where slaves regained their freedom in the late 19th century, the first primary school in northern Nigeria, the country’s biggest European cemetery, Lord Lugard’s residence and Senion Staff Quarters world war cenotaph, grave yards of deposed northern emirs etc. The expansive Mount Patti is a towering flat topped mountain over-looking the ancient town of Lokoja, and Rivers Niger and Benue. The Confluence point of these two large rivers is a source of great delight to curious visitors. The present administration in the state has completed the construction of a five star hotel along the coastline of the confluence.

INVENTORY OF TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN KOGI STATE
Lord Lugard’s Residence and Office: This colonial monument is Lord Lugard’s first residence and office in Nigeria constructed in 1901.

Royal Niger Company Flag Spot: This is the spot where the Royal Niger company flag was lowered in 1890.

Mount Patti: This is a massive hill towering over Lo0koja with about 15 square kilometer plateau.

The Iron of Liberty: This is the spot where slaves were freed in 1860 and marked with two iron poles referred to as the “Iron of Liberty.”

Deposed Emirs’ Graveyards: These are graveyards of the deposed and exiled emirs of Kano, Zaria and Bida during the colonial rule.

The First Primary School: This is the first primary school in northern Nigeria built in 1860.

The Large European Cemetery in Nigeria: This Cemetery contains the remains of Missionaries and European soldiers of the West African Frontier Force stationed in Lokoja between 1867 and 1926.

Niger-Benue Confluence: The Confluence of these two great rivers constitutes a beautiful scenery visible from the top of Mount Patti.

Agbaja Plateau: Located about 14 kilometres from Lokoja is Agbaja, a town situated on top of a plateau which is over 335.2 metres above sea level.

World War Cenotaph: This is a war armorial erected in memory of the soldiers who died during the two World Wars. There is a list of names of some soldiers who distinguished themselves in the wars on a tablet.

Koton-Karfe Cave: This cave has three openings on the elevated side of the hill directly over-looking Koton-Karfe. It is believed that the cave could accommodate about 500 people.

Egeneja Warm Spring: This a natural warm spring in Bassa Local Government Area.

Earth Bridge: This natural wonder is located at Egane in Ofu Local Government Area. This massive rock serves as a natural bridge over the river and it carriers vehicles and human traffic.

Uloja Native Authority Guest House: This guest house is located in Dekina where the legendary late Attah Igala, Ameh Oboni hanged himself.

Ofejiji Fall: The Ofejiji fall is located in Okura-Olafia.

Inikpi Statue: This is the statue of the legendary beloved daughter of Attah Igala, Inikpi, who allowed herself to be buried alive in order to save her father’s kingdom during a war with the Jukuns.

Ojukwo-Atogwu: This is an ancient earthwork declared a national monument in 1963 by the Federal government.

Late Attah Ebira Palace: This is the palace of the first Attah of Ebira. The palace, which is imposing, was built in 12927. It is a combination of ancient and modern architecture.

Okoro-Agbo Mountain: A spectacular hill formation located at Ogidi in Ijumu Local Government Area.

Kpata Rocks: These are beautiful rock formations in Bassa Local government Area.

Awo Tnnel: This tunnel, about one kilometer long, was dug during the reign of Onoja Oboni in the 18th century to serve as a hiding place for members of the royal family during wars in Idah.

Aafin-Kabba: This is the old Obaro’s palace built of mud and believed to be about two centuries old.