The Nigeria Association Tour Operators’ (NATOP) ended its 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) yesterday in Lagos with the election of new executives to run the affairs of the association for a period of two years.
While congratulating the newly elected executives, the National President of the association, Hajia Bolaji Mustapha, who was returned unopposed, thanked members of the association for the confidence in her leadership, promising to take the association to higher heights. She congratulated and charged the new national executives and the returning ones to be up and doing in the collective efforts of the association to move the Nigeria’s tourism industry forward. .
Other members of the new executives include: Mr. Olujimi Adetunde, Deputy National President; Mrs. Joy Alexander-Ozigbe, General Secretary; Mrs. Joan Benjamin Ulaeto, Assistant General Secretary; Odion Chigbufue, National Treasurer; Dr. Olanma Alvanis Ojukwu, National Financial Secretary; Cordis Maria-Umeokoli, National Public Relations Officer; Mr. Prince Uduak, Assistant National Public Relations Officer; Dr. Tunji Akib, National Welfare Officer; Mrs. Wonuola Olatunde-Lamidi, Vice President, South West, and Mr. Daniel Bello, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Northern Zone Vice President.
The National President of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Hajia Bolaji Mustapha, has called for stronger tourism institutions to showcase Nigeria’s tourism assets and market the country as a destination. Mustapha said this while speaking at the 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association.
Speaking on the theme for the year’s AGM: “Unlocking Nigeria’s Tourism Potential: Strengthening Tour Operators for Sustainable Destination Development,” she said Nigeria is blessed with extraordinary natural attractions, vibrant cultures, rich history, and diverse experiences that have the power to position our country among the world’s leading tourism destinations. She, however, argued that unlocking these potentials require more than showcasing our assets, that it demands stronger institutions, empowered tour operators, strategic partnerships, innovation, and a collective commitment to sustainable destination development.
She commended members of the association for sacrificing to build a strong NATOP. She said: “As we gather once again, we celebrate not only the growth of our association but also the resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment of every stakeholder dedicated to advancing tourism in Nigeria. Your presence here today reflects our shared belief in the immense opportunities that lie within our nation’s tourism sector.”
The NATOP President also harped on the responsibility of tour operators in nation building. She said: “We are more than service providers; we are storytellers, destination ambassadors, and drivers of economic growth. Every itinerary we design, every destination we promote, and every visitor we welcome contributes to job creation, community development, cultural preservation, and national prosperity. Strengthening our capacity as professionals is therefore essential to building destinations that remain competitive, inclusive, and sustainable for generations to come.
“Over the course of this conference, I encourage us all to engage meaningfully, exchange ideas openly, and explore practical solutions that will strengthen our industry. Let this gathering inspire new collaborations, encourage innovation, and reinforce our commitment to delivering exceptional tourism experiences while preserving the unique heritage and environment that make Nigeria truly remarkable.”
Speaking on the AGM, the Board of Trustees (BoT) chairman of NATOP and immediate past President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) Mr. Nkereuwem Onung commended the current leadership of the association headed by Hajia Bolaji Mustapha for its remarkable achievements in the last two years. He said: “Under her leadership, we have witnessed unprecedented progress and peace within the association – a feat that cannot be overstated. This administration has achieved what many thought impossible. We have rebranded NATOP, giving the association a fresh and modern identity that reflects our ambition and professionalism. We have commissioned a new standard website that positions our members and the association on the global stage. The launch of the passport booklet is another milestone that strengthens our identity and provides value to our members.
“In our collective effort to curb quackery and sanitize the tour operations industry, this administration has introduced a Unified Identity Card Scheme for genuine tour operators – a critical tool in restoring confidence in our sector.”
In his speech at the occasion, the Chairman of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema has called for public-private sector partnership to promote tourism in Nigeria. He tasked NATOP to be the drivers of public-private sector partnership, saying tourism is one area that is yet untapped in the country.
Air Peace boss urged the NATOP members, ” to get involved in national heritage agencies. Let us be involved in this one area that is yet untapped. Instead of am Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa and this, let’s use our diversity for good. We can explore and make something better out of it”.
Among other activities at the NATOP AGM was the launching of the association’s newly designed website and the ‘NATOP Tourism Passport,’ a booklet that captures tourist attractions in Nigeria and a list of authentic tour operators in the country.
All is set for the 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP). The AGM will kick off on Wednesday, July 8 with a cocktail party, and end on Friday, July 10. There will be a post AGM members-only retreat on July 11 and 12.
Speaking on the 10th on AGM anniversary, NATOP President Hajia Bolaji Mustapha said over the years, the association has played a significant role in promoting domestic tourism, supporting tourism entrepreneurs, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive destination. So, the 10th AGM, she said, would mark a significant milestone in the association’s journey of service, growth and contribution to Nigerian tourism industry. She said the AGM will bring together tour operators, travel professionals, government agencies, tourist investors, hospitality stakeholders, development partners and industry experts from across Nigeria and beyond. It will also provide an opportunity to review association’s achievement, discuss emerging opportunities and challenges in the tourism sector, strengthening professional network and chart a strategic course for the future of tourism development in Nigeria.
She spoke further: “The objectives of the 10th anniversary AGM is to celebrate a decade of impactful AGM in the industry leadership, promotes collaboration among tourism stakeholders, advocate for policies that support tourism growth and investment, showcase Nigerian tourism assets and destinations, empower tourism entrepreneur through knowledge sharing and networking, strengthening the role of tourism in national economic development, encourage development and encourage sustainability and responsible tourism practice and also opening our new secretariat is one of the main highlights of you know, keeping up on this stage today. So the 10th AGM is expected to further strengthen NATOP’s position as a leading voice in Nigerian tourism industry while fostering partnership that will drive innovation, investment, job creation, sustainability, tourism development nationwide. So as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of NATOP annual general meeting, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting tourism as a catalyst of economic growth, cultural preservation, youth empowerment and national development.”
The NATOP president said the association intends to, in the course of the AGM period, open its ultra-modern national secretariat in Lagos to serve its members. She said “The secretariat is an apartment which is here in Lagos. The space will also be like a work station for members especially those from outside. When they come into Lagos, they would have a space to work. Or you are a member that does not have an office and you want to do some work, you can’t get your client, you can take your laptop, work in here and do your job on that. It will also be like a content hub where you can actually stay with travel backdrop to do some videos. We are actually looking for sponsors to use their products as background, different airlines that we sell.”
She said her association’s decision to open an ultra- modern national secretariat in Lagos was not just to consolidate NATOP’s position as a leading player in the Nigerian travel and tourism industry, but to offer members, especially from outside Lagos, a conducive out-station work environment to hold meeting and do their business: “We’re going to have, also, a small space there; if you have a private meeting, you can have it to yourself to sit down, have a private meeting with any of your clients. So that’s one of the reasons why the secretariat is being set up.”
The President of Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) Hajia Bolaji Mustapha has said her association’s decision to open an ultra- modern national secretariat in Lagos was not just to consolidate NATOP’s position as a leading player in the Nigerian travel and tourism industry, but to offer members, especially from outside Lagos, a conducive out-station work environment to hold meeting and do their business.
Hajia Bolaji disclosed this while unveiling the programme of events for the 10 Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for Lagos from July 8 to 10. She said: “The secretariat is an apartment which is here in Lagos. The space will also be like a work station for members especially those from outside. When they come into Lagos, they would have a space to work. Or you are a member that does not have an office and you want to do some work, you can’t get your client, you can take your laptop, work in here and do your job on that. It will also be like a content hub where you can actually stay with travel backdrop to do some videos. We are actually looking for sponsors to use their products as background, different airlines that we sell.
“We’re going to have, also, a small space there, if you have a private meeting, you can have it to yourself to sit down, have a private meeting with any of your clients. So that’s one of the reasons why the secretariat is being set up.”
On the 10th AGM anniversary, the NATOP President said over the years, the association has played a significant role in promoting domestic tourism, supporting tourism entrepreneurs, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive tourism destination, so the coming AGM marks a significant milestone in the association’s journey of service, growth and contribution to Nigerian tourism industry. She said the AGM will bring together tour operators, travel professionals, government agencies, tourist investors, hospitality stakeholders, development partners and industry experts from across Nigeria and beyond. It will also provide an opportunity to review association’s achievement, discuss emerging opportunities and challenges in the tourism sector, strengthening professional network and chart a strategic course for the future of tourism development in Nigeria.
She spoke further: “The objectives of the 10th anniversary AGM is to celebrate a decade of impactful AGM in the industry leadership, promotes collaboration among tourism stakeholders, advocate for policies that support tourism growth and investment, showcase Nigerian tourism assets and destinations, empower tourism entrepreneur through knowledge sharing and networking, strengthening the role of tourism in national economic development, encourage development and encourage sustainability and responsible tourism practice and also opening our new secretariat is one of the main highlights of you know, keeping up on this stage today. So the 10th AGM is expected to further strengthen NATOP’s position as a leading voice in Nigerian tourism industry while fostering partnership that will drive innovation, investment, job creation, sustainability, tourism development nationwide. So as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of NATOP annual general meeting, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting tourism as a catalyst of economic growth, cultural preservation, youth empowerment and national development.”
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has applauded the public-private sectors partnership between the Ekiti State government and Glocient Hospitality that has led to the repositioning of the Ikogosi Warmspring Resort as one of Nigeria’s leading resorts. He described the efforts of the investors as a ‘miracle’.
Zulum was speaking when he, and the Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun were taken on tour of the resort by the Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji. Zulum said: “This is my first time here and what I find here speaks largely about the miracle that Investors can perform especially when they are intentional. I promise to be back here as soon as possible.”
The three governors visited Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort to witness the restored natural wonder and assess its potential as a driver of tourism, investment and local job creation.
The delegation toured the world’s only known confluence of warm and cold springs — where two waters run side by side without mixing. Guided by trained professionals, the governors learned about the springs’ history and the therapeutic qualities long associated with the warm springs.
“It was a moment of shared admiration for nature’s gift and the Resort’s transformation, said Governor Oyebanji. “Ikogosi is now a model of hospitality, heritage conservation and sustainable development for Ekiti State and Nigeria.”
Highlights of the visit included a guided boardwalk tour of the twin springs and a brief interpretation of their unique geology and folklore, inspection of the resort’s regenerated landscapes, the amphitheater for cultural performances, and the gentle swimming pool facility.
Governors Zulum and Abiodun expressed delight at the warmth that greeted them, promising to revisit the site as soon as possible.
Governor Abiodun on his part described the resort as an absolute wonder. “This is a wonder, indeed”. He marveled at the level of transformation that had occurred at the Resort in less than 4 years.
The Governors committed to collaboration and investment – reawakening efforts to improve tourism in the areas of creating jobs, uplifting communities and supporting the economy. The warm springs is indeed an inspiration to other states to unlock the potential hidden in their own dormant treasures.
The visit reinforced Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort’s emergence from restoration to renaissance. The developmental efforts led by Glocient hospitality and its founder, Niyi John Olajide, have focused on preserving the site’s natural and cultural heritage while improving visitor amenities and promoting sustainable tourism.
The President of the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), Chief Abiodun Odusanwo, has applauded the contributions of members of the Association of Tourism and Hospitality Consultants in Nigeria (ATHCON), saying it is necessary for the growth, development of tourism and hospitality industry in the country.
Odusanwo said this in a special message to the association during its recently held annual conference and induction of new members in Lagos.
The ITPN President said Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sector stands at a critical crossroads, that with the immense natural and cultural wealth, the country still faces persistent challenges in policy implementation, destination management, and service standardization. This, he said, has made the role of the professional consultants a necessity rather than a luxury.
He spoke further: “ATHCON has consistently demonstrated that consultants are the catalysts who bridge the gap between government vision and on-ground reality. You provide the technical audits, feasibility studies, strategic plans, and capacity-building frameworks that turn potential into performance. As the President of ITPN—the mother body that sets professional standards for all tourism practitioners in Nigeria—I affirm that your work is central to our shared mandate: to professionalize the industry and elevate Nigerian tourism to global competitiveness.”
He explained that the ITPN and ATHCON are partners in progress and are not competitors. His words: “We are partners on the same journey. While ITPN focuses on the certification, ethics, and continuing professional development of individual tourism practitioners across all sub-sectors, ATHCON specializes in the advisory and consultancy backbone that guides enterprises and governments. Our relationship must be symbiotic.
“I therefore renew the commitment of ITPN to deepen collaboration with ATHCON in areas such as: Joint development of consultancy practice guidelines; mutual recognition of continuing professional development (CPD) programmes; collaborative research and policy advocacy to relevant ministries and agencies.”
He said a united front of professionals and consultants would speak with a louder voice when demand are made for better infrastructure, access to finance, and a national tourism policy that works.
The ITPN President told the newly inducted members that they did not simply joined an association, but have accepted a covenant of excellence, integrity, and service to their clients whether government, hotels, tour operators, or investors. He also charged them to continuously learn, update their skills in digital marketing, sustainability, and crisis management, and also uphold the ethics of the profession.
Taraba State is rightly referred to as “Nature’s Gift to the Nation.” It is a state with vast arable land, the third largest state in the country, with a land mass of about 54,000 square kilometers. The state has a breathe-taking landscape ranging from deep green forest Savannah to picturesque rock mountains. From the enchanting Gashaka Gumti National Park, up to the surreal ranges of Gembu in Mambilla Plateau, the state is an ecotourism paradise.
Expectedly, Taraba under the leadership of Governor Agbu Kefas has invested heavily in agriculture. The state is transforming its agricultural sector into a production-driven economy through well-thought plans, one of which is the ₦400 billion ($268.63m) funding from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), aimed at enhancing food security, boosting mechanization, and creating rural jobs.
In addition to these investments, the Agbu Kefas administration is currently transforming the state through its very ambitious project in tourism, knowing that tourism will inject funds into the state’s economy, accelerate development, create massive job opportunities for youths, and help to quell security challenges. The governor was very intentional in his vision, deliberately focusing on ecotourism and heritage. In line with his vision, he created the Taraba State Ministry of Ecotourism and Heritage. Then he embarked on this unprecedented project that would transform the way African tourism is seen the world over.
The tourism project is the ambitious and unprecedented government approved 2500 hectares of land for the La Campagne Tropicana Agro-Ecotourism Resorts. The sheer size of the land is mind boggling, and the locations for the agro-ecotourism resort are scattered on 12 sites across Taraba State. They include: the La Campagne Tropicana Agro-Ecotourism Heritage Resort Zangon Kombi just few kilometres for the Danbaba Suntai Airport, Jalingo, the La Campagne Tropicana Nwonyo Lake Resort, Ibi, the La Campagne Tropicana Rest Area, Zangon Kombi, the La Campagne Rest Area Mahula Bali, the La Campagne Tropicana Rest Area, Gayam, Gashaka, the La Campagne Tropicana Agro-Ecotourism Heritage Resort Mayo Selb, Gashaka, the La Campagne Tropicana Rest Area Biyudasisi, Mambilla, the La Campagne Tropicana Agro-Tourism Heritage Resort Abong Kurmi council area, the La Campagne Tropicana Eco-Tourism Resort Nagadasda, the La Campagne Tropicana Rest Area Gurgu Mambilla, the La Campagne Tropicana Kwararafa Rest Area Gasol.
The project is as public-private sector partnership being executed in partnership with the La Campagne Tropicana Resort Group, the world’s first African themed resort brand. When completed, the expansive project will transform the state into one of the leading tourist destination in Nigeria in terms of tourist traffic.
The Taraba State Governor embarked on this legacy project so that it would become a point of reference in years to come. It encompasses leisure, ecotourism, and agriculture.
The La Campagne Agro-Ecotourism Resorts project is gradually, but steadily taking shape with little noise or hype. Some of the ecofriendly accommodations are already built. Leisure facilities such as quad bikes, fishing boats and jet skis have been added to the facilities at the resorts.
Looking at the tourism revolution in Taraba State which is quietly, but steadily being implemented, it is something the industry players need to take major notice of because of the impact it would have on the economy of the state and the country. It would create the opportunity to re-jumpstart tourism in Nigeria.
While speaking on the project during a tour of one of the sites, Governor Agbu Kefas expressed his satisfaction with the pace of development. He further said: “By the grace of God, Taraba will become centre for peace and unity, food, security and everything that is good. I assure that we will give all the necessary support so that we can turn this state to a tourist destination.”
The Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang having seen one of the project site said: “The Taraba State government has entered into a partnership with the La Campagne Beach Beach Resort group under the leadership of Dr. Wanle Akinboboye, a renowned African heritage tourist expert. This collaboration aligns with the brother-Africa diasporan vision to reconnect all people of African descent back to the continent through tourism, culture and heritage. It is my privilege and honour to congratulate Governor Agbu Kefas for this historic fit. Taraba State stands as the only state in Nigeria with a ministry of heritage and ecotourism. This is a clear reflection of the visionary leadership of Dr. Agbu Kefas and his commitment to prese3rving our heritage, while unlocking the tourism potentials of our land. Indeed Taraba State is positioning itself as Nigeria’s largest gateway for tourism in Africa.”
The founder of La Campagne Tropicana Group Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, who is leading the private sector in the project, said he is excited about the project. He said: “you know our young people today are afraid of going into the farm because the representation of farming is that of poverty, suffering and pain, so, no kid wants to partake in that. What we have created here is heritage, ecotourism, hospitality..using tourism to sell entertainment and agriculture, and using agriculture to sell tourism. It is the first time we will see a state government partnering with a private sector, giving 2500 hectares of land strictly for the return of people of African descent, lovers of Africa throughout the world to come and connect with the continent. When that happens, which is happening now, it will change the entire dynamics of Africans coming back to buy holiday homes around the resort that would generate money for them on a daily basis for people in their 80s, 90s to have a retirement home adjacent a resort, especially an eco-resort that will elongate their lifespan, where they wake up in the morning the houses are taken care of. They are not in a nursing home, where they go around in the resort, play games, do entertainment and interact with people instead of sitting in a desolate house with only a nurse. We believe that this will transform tourism totally.
“What Governor Agbu Kefas has done by first of all pointing out that he is not just interested in general tourism, but interest in heritage and ecotourism, and he has a ministry of heritage and ecotourism, no interest in other forms of tourism because ecotourism for him, is the advantage he has, and he is taking advantage of that advantage-the third largest landmass in Nigeria, over 54,000 square kilometers, with the best of the best of hills. So, he decided that I want to only be known for ecotourism and based on that, he agreed with me to create this land. You know what will happen when 10000 people descend on that land from America, Europe and from all over the world? What will happen to the entire north? Already, no tourism practitioner or writer is picking up the fact that water sports like jet skis, quad bikes and so on has been introduced in the whole of the north. So, no one is pointing that out.
Look at the spinoffs, the former Plateau the entire Middle Belt said it will create jobs, help with the issue of security.”
The beauty of the La Campagne Tropicana Agro-Ecotourism Resort projects in Taraba state is that from any of the resorts, tourists have the opportunity to explore some of the enchanting ecotourism sites within the state.
At the axis of the Mambilla Plateau is Nigeria’s largest national park, the vast Gashaka-Gumti National Park, and Nigeria’s highest peak, Chappal Waddi. The national park is just at the foot of the Mambilla plateau, one of the most captivating places to visit in Nigeria. The state has a temperate climate in high altitudes. It is even cooler on the Mambilla Plateau.
Tourists could also enjoy the ecotourism offerings and the unique cultural festivals. Being a high-altitude region (1,800 meters) with a temperate climate, rolling hills, and expansive tea plantations, the state also boost of rich cultural sites and attractions. Marmara Crocodile Pond (Wukari), A sacred pond where crocodiles are said to coexist peacefully with humans, traditionally appearing on Fridays, the annual Nwonyo Fishing Festival in Ibi (April) features boating, swimming, and traditional dances, and many other cultural attractions.
Governor Kefas Agbu is positioning Taraba State as the next big thing in Nigerian tourism. It is something he is doing quietly under the radar; however, it is important to watch out for this mega agro-ecotourism project as it unfolds.
The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) with its headquarters in Ikotun, Lagos, Nigeria has just marked the fifth anniversary of the demise of church’s founder, the late Prophet T.B. Joshua. He died on June 5, 2021, a week to his 58th birthday.
Activities marking the anniversary included special religious programmes at the church’s Prayer Mountain at Agodo-Egbe, few meters from the church’s main auditorium in Ikotun and a remembrance service at the church’s auditorium.
The fifth anniversary celebration offered visitors the opportunity to see the huge progress the church has made in the last five years under the new leader, Pastor Evelyn Joshua.
The church expended billions of Naira to upgrade and improve worship experience through upgrade in facilities. The auditorium’s sound system has been change to more modern, high quality sound system with improved sound quality and less noise.
In addition, the old chairs for worshippers inside the main auditorium have all been changed for more modern imported, and comfortable ones, with more leg-room to make worship at the church a more comfortable experience.
The church has also been unrelenting in its charity outreaches both within and outside Nigeria.
Apart from sponsoring the education of indigent children in places like Pakistan which was started by the late prophet, the church’s international humanitarian outreaches in Ghana, Spain, the United Kingdom and other countries have continued.
SCOAN at this time is witnessing a steady increase in the number of religious pilgrims from within and outside Africa coming to the church in search of succor.
The online platforms the church continue to grow with over the years as the church continues to reach millions through the platforms.
The EmmanuelTv channel, the church’s online platform continues to be biggest tool to propagate the gospel.
The online platform has Emmanuel TV quickly embraced the internet early with launching its presence across all social media platforms, with more than 600 million views on Youtube before it was removed.
The late Prophet T.B. Joshua was widely known across Africa and Latin America and had a large social media presence with over six million followers on Facebook and have over 500 million views on his YouTube channel, the most viewed Christian minister in Africa.
The Chairman Board of Trustees of the National Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council (HTSSCN) and Chief Executive of Remlords Group, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung has urged Nigeria to close the skills gap in the tourism and hospitality sector to compete globally. He made the call while delivering his acceptance speech after the swearing in of executives of the Council, headed by him. It was part of the activities for the inaugural NIHOTOUR fellowship induction ceremony held on May 14, in Abuja.
Onung said hospitality and tourism are vital to Nigeria’s jobs, culture, and growth and that to compete globally, the industry must close the skills gap and raise its standards.
His words: “Hospitality and tourism are vital to Nigeria’s jobs, culture, and growth. But to compete globally, we must close the skills gap and raise our standards.
“A key part of that is delivering the ‘National Vocational Qualification and National Skills Qualification framework’ for our sector. These frameworks set the national standard for what a competent hospitality and tourism professional looks like at every level. Our job is to make sure the qualifications are relevant to industry, assessed rigorously, and recognized nationally and regionally.
“As a private sector-led body, we will work with employers, trade unions, professional bodies, and training institutions to ensure NVQ/NSQ programs are practical, current, and employer-validated. Our focus will be on aligning training with real industry needs, standardizing quality, and creating clear career pathways for youth, women, and informal operators.”
He thanked the Nigerian tourism minister Hannatu Musa Musawa and the Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) for the opportunity to serve the country and called on every stakeholder to partner with the council in the efforts to build qualification system that employers trust.
The Governing Board of the HTSSCN Board of Trustees was recently reconstituted by the Director General of National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Aare Abisoye Fagade with Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, the immediate past President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) as chairman.
Following the increasing attacks on African migrants, particularly Nigerians, Industry Professionals have attributed these incidents to poverty and a lack of education among some South African citizens. In recent times, the crime rate in South Africa has risen, with some citizens accusing migrants of being responsible for criminal activities in the country. This perception has contributed to the growing wave of xenophobic attacks, which have increasingly evolved into acts of Afrophobia.
The issue was extensively discussed at Villa Square, a special segment of Cr8tive 9ja, a weekly tourism and cultural magazine programme aired every Thursday on Mainland 98.3 FM, Lagos. The programme, anchored by renowned tourism journalist Frank Meke alongside Bunmi Bade Adeniji, focused on the topic: “Afrophobia: A Threat to Africa’s Unity, Trade, and Tourism.”
Speaking through a telephone interview from Abuja, Susan Akporiaye, National Deputy President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), emphasized the need for Africans to promote unity and mutual respect. She noted that both Nigerians and South Africans share responsibility in addressing the issue.
“We should not ignore our own faults,” she said. “From my findings and investigations through sources in South Africa, I was informed that some Nigerians from the Igbo community installed a king in Durban, known as the Eze Ndi Igbo Durban. South Africans highly respect their traditional Zulu King, and according to their customs, only one king is recognized. Many Zulu people perceived this as an attempt to interfere with their culture.”
Akporiaye stressed the importance of African countries working together toward shared goals. She also called on South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to openly condemn Afrophobia, as well as the destruction of property and killings of fellow African nationals in South Africa.
Also speaking, Okorie Uguru, President of the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism, attributed the profiling of Africans in South Africa to ignorance and lack of education.
“When people are judged based on tribe, nationality, or religion, it is wrong and unacceptable in any responsible society,” he said. “As travellers, we have discovered that it is unfair to stereotype an entire group of people because of the actions of a few individuals.”
One of the guests, Bolaji Seun, a Youth tourism enthusiast who has travelled around the African continent also highlighted the importance of African unity and regional integration. “I do not understand why Africans find it difficult to remain united,” he said. “For example, when travelling within countries under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), travellers still face unnecessary immigration bottlenecks and unofficial charges for passport stamping, which should not be the case.”
Seun further shared that a South African acquaintance once told him her negative perception of Nigerians stemmed from a personal emotional experience involving romance relationship gone sour with a Nigerian man. According to Bolaji Seun such experiences often contribute to generalized stereotypes against Nigerians in South Africa.
Dr. Wole Oyebade, a member of the Guardian Editorial board who spoke from South African, blamed the Political tension in South Africa, stating that the coming elections and political tension have contributed to the situation. He said that the oppositions are blaming the immigration policies of the current administration as a major contributor to the increasing crime rate in South African.
“For the African continent, they are of the opinion that the, Xenophobia attacks have become a reoccurring situation in South Africa, we realize if the government can discourage this attack and insist things are done the normal way, things might change” Dr. Oyebade noted.
Nkereweum Onung, the Chairman, Nigeria Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council, blamed envy for the rising attacks on Africa immigrants in South-Africa. He stated that such situation is destroying the African Unity, and progress of the continent. He also attributed the issue to the increasing poverty in South-Africa stressing that the government should speak to the citizens and educate them. “The South-Africans might be on the losing side with over 25% of their investment in foreign countries like the MTN, DSTV, Shoprite and others, this continuous attack will affect them on a long run” he said.
The President of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators, Bolaji Mustapha, stated that the persistent attacks have negatively affected trade and tourism across Africa.
“For tourism, many Africans are now more reluctant to visit fellow African countries and instead head to destinations in Europe or Asia because of developments in South Africa and visa restrictions across the continent,” she said. “As tour operators, we are working to promote intra-African tourism, but these incidents send the wrong message to potential travellers.”
Mustapha added that her association had advised tour operators to suspend the promotion of South African tour destinations until the safety of foreign nationals can be guaranteed.
“We do not want to expose tourists to danger, despite South Africa’s efforts over the years to market its tourism sector,” she said, while urging the South African government to take decisive action to protect foreign nationals living in the country.
In his remarks, Frank Meke, Chief Executive Officer of Cr8tive 9ja Media, said Africa is currently facing a critical moment, with the international community closely observing developments on the continent.
He called on African leaders to handle the issue with caution and urgency in order to preserve African unity, regional cooperation, and economic growth.
Over the years, Xenophobia attacks have been carried out on Nigerians in South Africa, but a recent trend has emerged with the Afrophobia attacks. The Afrophobia is a form of racism, prejudice, and discrimination specifically targeting Black people and people of African descent. It involves dehumanizing attitudes, systemic discrimination, and violence including hate speech and crimes rooted in stereotypes of “inferiority” or “incompatible difference.
The South African Economy in the last five years has witnessed a sluggish growth from (2021 – 2025). In 2023, the country suffered a 0.8% decline, and in 2025, a 1.1% decline in GDP. The country’s unemployment rate remained consistently high, with the official rate rising to 32.9% in Q1 2025. The Country has enjoyed good business relationship with Nigeria as key of her establishment are domiciled in Nigeria like MTN, DSTV, Standard Chacter Bank among other businesses.
Some Nigerians are of the option that if the South African government fails to handle the issue and strongly condemn the Afrophobia attacks, some countries might as well send their South African Nationals packing.
