Namibia has expressed interest in partnering with Nigeria to help grow the country’s elephant population, according to Ambassador Humphrey Gieseb, the High Commissioner of Namibia to Nigeria. Speaking during a virtual panel organized by Eritage Africa in collaboration with the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria and Azaiki Library for World Tourism Day, Gieseb highlighted Namibia’s success in elephant conservation.
“Through a dedicated Elephants Protection and Management scheme, we have tripled our elephant population from 7,000 to 24,000. We are ready to engage with Nigeria to assist in growing their population, which currently stands at around 400,” Gieseb said.
The virtual panel focused on the potential of tourism for peacebuilding and economic development in the Niger Delta. Co-convener Tamunotonye Pamela emphasized that areas like Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, offer peaceful environments with untapped tourism potential but receive limited media attention.
Hospitality expert Justina Ovat added, “For tourism to thrive, we need transportation, hospitality infrastructure, and compelling attractions, all of which the Niger Delta possesses.”
The discussions aimed to foster partnerships between governments, non-profits, and private sector stakeholders to drive tourism development in the Niger Delta.
