The conversation focused on building upon the success of the Namibia-Delta Trade and Investment Summit held in October 2024, with both parties expressing enthusiasm for reciprocal initiatives in 2026 to further enhance bilateral economic opportunities.

The Namibia-Delta Trade and Investment Summit, organised by the Namibia High Commission in collaboration with Global Links and Services Limited, the Coastal and Marine Areas Development Initiative (CMADI), and the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), was held on October 30, 2024, at the PIND Economic Development Centre in Egbokodo Itsekiri, Warri, Delta State.

Themed “Unlocking New Trade and Investment Opportunities,” the summit served as a high-level platform for stakeholders from Nigeria and Namibia to explore partnerships in key sectors including oil and gas, mining, agriculture, real estate, logistics, tourism, energy, natural resources, infrastructure, manufacturing, and the blue economy.

The event attracted prominent figures, including; Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (represented by Samuel Oligida, Commissioner for Trade and Investment); former Namibian High Commissioner H.E. Humphrey Geiseb; and industry leaders.

Discussions underscored Delta State’s investor-friendly policies, such as tax exemptions, free land allocations, and reduced bureaucratic hurdles, alongside Namibia’s untapped potential in mining, tourism, and bio-energy.

Participants decried the historically low trade volumes between the two nations and emphasized the need for stronger continental collaboration to diversify economies beyond oil reliance.

The Summit fostered networking, shared success stories of Nigerian businesses in Namibia, and provided practical insights into regulatory frameworks, visa processes, and market entry strategies, ultimately catalysing new partnerships and positioning both regions for sustainable growth.

Reflecting on the Summit during the recent meeting, Umeasiegbu noted its role in revitalising Warri as a hub for international trade and investment.

While Ndevashiya, who assumed his role in December 2025 and presented his letters of credence in January 2026, commended the summit’s impact and expressed eagerness to reciprocate with similar initiatives in Namibia this year.

Global Links and Services Limited, under Umeasiegbu’s leadership, continues to drive such initiatives as part of its broader mission to facilitate international travel, pilgrimages, cruises, and trade exhibitions like the annual ‘IJE – Journeys Around the World’ event.

This ongoing partnership underscores the travel facilitation company’s commitment to bridging African markets and promoting sustainable development. Stakeholders interested in upcoming Namibia-focused opportunities are encouraged to contact the company for more details.

Global Links and Services Limited is a premier Nigerian travel and tours agency specialising in pilgrimages, cruises, foreign admissions, and investment summits. As Deputy President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agents (NANTA) and a recipient of the Africa Travel 100 Women Award 2025, Umeasiegbu leads efforts to expand Africa’s travel and trade ecosystem from its base in Warri, Delta State.

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Delivering his key note lecture at the 2025 Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition, NTIFE, in Abuja, organised by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, FTAN, with the theme; National Tourism investment and global partnership; with the sub theme: Investing in Nigeria’s Tourism Future, kolade-Otitoju noted that while recent efforts indicate a bright future, the consensus among many stakeholders is that current government actions are insufficient to fully unlock Nigeria’s tourism potential.

He stated that more work needs to be done in the areas of infrastructure, security, and consistent well -rounded policy implementation to overcome the existing challenges.

Kolade-Otitoju explained that Nigeria’s tourism sector has potential, but is hindered by challenges like poor infrastructure, lack of cohesive marketing, underdeveloped tourism products, and insecurity.

He noted that these factors deter both foreign and domestic visitors, leading to lower international tourist numbers compared to countries like Kenya and South Africa. He, however, noted that domestic tourism is on the rise.

According to him, in 2022, tourism contributed 3.6% to the GDP, but the country lags behind other African nations in per capita tourism revenue despite its rich cultural and natural assets.

The current affairs analyst stated that Nigeria is rich in cultural and natural assets, with home to over 1,000 annual festivals, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 14 more on the tentative list, as well as diverse landscapes and vibrant cultural expressions like music, fashion, and food.

TVC News Head of current Affairs unit pointed out that the sector is seeing a rise in domestic travellers, particularly among youth, middle-class Nigerians, who are visiting destinations like Obudu Mountain Resort, Ikogosi Warm Spring and the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove.

He observed that the tourism sector is growing and is projected to continue doing so, with significant potential for economic diversification away from oil.

He, however, decried that widespread insecurity remains a significant deterrent for international visitors,

Including the lack of adequate infrastructure, transport (especially roads, outside major cities) and hotel availability, which is a major challenge.

Kolade-Otitoju maintained that inadequate policy implementation and corruption have contributed to a failure to fully develop tourism potential, stressing that

Despite having many assets, the country has an underdeveloped tourism product and a poor international image.

He said: “In June 1999, the government of Chief Obasanjo established the Federal Ministry of Culture & Tourism basically to promote cultural heritage: identify, develop and market Nigeria’s cultural and tourism potential. Subsequently, it was renamed the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation in 2006. In 2015, it was merged with the Ministry of Information, creating the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism. More recently, the ministry was restructured into the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy to focus on developing Nigeria’s creative sector and its cultural heritage.

“Tourism in Nigeria has failed to realise its potential since 1999 owing to a number of factors I enumerated earlier and a continued over-reliance on oil revenue, which has diverted attention and resources from diversifying the economy, leveraging sectors like tourism”.

He pointed out that these persistent challenges have led to a lack of effective tourism products and services

While comparing with other African nations, Accolade- Otitoju maintained that

Nigeria’s tourism export income is significantly lower than that of smaller countries like The Gambia, Cape Verde and Seychelles as in 2023, Nigeria attracted about 1.2million international visitors, whereas South Africa welcomed 8.4 million and Kenya hosted 1.95 million.

According to him, “While tourism contribution to Nigeria’s GDP has been fluctuating, it is lower compared to the higher percentages seen in countries like The Gambia (9%) based on 2024 data regarding international tourist arrivals, the top 10 most visited countries in Africa are:

Morocco (17.4m tourists) Egypt (15.7m tourists), Tunisia (10.25m tourists)

South Africa (8.92m)

Algeria (3.5m)

Kenya (2.4m)

Tanzania (2.14m)

Zimbabwe (1.55m)

Mauritius (1.382m)

Uganda (1.372m tourists)”.

He listed Nigerian tourist sites that need upscaling and international exposure to include the Mandara Mountains in Borno and Adamawa, Zuma Rock, the Ancient Kano City Walls and the Ogbunike Caves in Anambra, Idanre Hills, Agbokim Waterfalls and Gurara Waterfalls,

the Mandara Mountains: A unique volcanic formation in Adamawa state with hiking trails and traditional village which   is currently underutilized.

Kolade-Otitoju noted that many stakeholders believe the government is not doing enough to develop Nigeria’s tourism sector due to a lack of sufficient investment, poor infrastructure, policy failures and weak implementation while there are recent policy initiatives and public-private partnerships.

He said critics point to the need for more sustained efforts on infrastructure, security and consistent policy execution to truly leverage the country’s vast tourism potential.

In his words, “while there is potential and some recent moves toward improvement, the Nigerian government has not done enough to overcome the fundamental challenges holding back its tourism sector like poor roads, lack of stable electricity and inadequate maintenance at many sites deter tourists.”

He observed that while many popular spots are in remote areas without basic amenities, there is also insufficient funding and policy failures as budgetary allocations have been described as “tokenism” and a lack of follow-through on listed sites meaning protective measures often don’t translate to action on the ground.

Kolade-Otitoju further noted that there are ongoing issues with weak coordination, lack of community inclusion and poor management of tourist sites, adding that insecurity and a lack of consistent, favourable visa policies remain significant barriers for potential tourists

He pointed out that travellers frequently face delays and cancellations and high costs can discourage visitors.

On positive steps an future directions, Kolade-Otitoju stated that recent initiatives show a greater emphasis on collaborating with the private sector, such as the ongoing redevelopment of the Obudu Mountain Resort and the tremendous work done via PPP at the Ikogosi Warm Springs in Ekiti State that has turned the once abandoned and decaying tourist sites to a modern, picturesque eye-popping beauty

He said there is a planned move to create a National Tourism Policy to help transform the sector.

TVC News Head of Current Affairs added that the government is working on specific projects, such as rehabilitating dilapidated sites like the National War Museum and supporting state-level tourism initiatives

He said some experts push for a greater focus on domestic tourism to boost the economy with states like Adamawa actively working on this through local festivals and infrastructure upgrades.

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TVC News, Lagos, as the Keynote Speaker for the 8th edition of event.

Other speakers confirmed for the one-day forum include:

Lolo Ngozi Ngoka, Managing Consultant, Zigona Advisory,

Thematic Lead, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Group, Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG); Mr Victor Kayode, President, Nigerian Hotel and Catering Institute

(NHCI); and Prince Philip, General Manager, Kogi State Hotels Board.

NTIFE is slated for Friday, November 28, 2025 at Army Headquarters (AHQ) Command Event Hall, Near Command Guest House, Asokoro, Abuja. Forum and Exhibition opens by 10:00am.

The forum, with the theme; National Tourism Investment and Global Partnership, is expected to bring together state governments, investors, policymakers, tourism professionals, and international partners to chart new pathways for Nigeria’s tourism growth and economic diversification.

The programmes for the event will also include the Investiture of the new FTAN’s President, Dr Aliyu Badaki; the Nigeria Tourism Icon Awards; exhibitions; and networking opportunities that celebrate innovation, culture, and collaboration in the tourism space.

FTAN is working to strengthen partnerships and build momentum for a more vibrant and globally competitive tourism industry by investing in Nigeria’s tourism future with NTIFE 2025.

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