Funso OLOJO, Editor

The African International Tourism and Entertainment Council (AITEC World) has officially launched on the global stage at the World Travel Market (WTM) London, calling for stronger international partnerships, collaboration and investment to unlock Africa’s vast tourism potential.

The global launch, held on Wednesday, November 4th, 2026, at the South Gallery, Room 20, ExCeL London, United Kingdom, brought together African tourism stakeholders, government representatives, tour operators, investors and media organisations participating in the international tourism marketplace.

The event marked the Council’s third major unveiling, following its regional launch in Abuja and continental launch in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Headlining the event was AITEC World’s Global Adviser and Honorary Senior Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, who challenged the international tourism community to move beyond conventional destination marketing and embrace investment-driven partnerships with African countries.

Speaking on the theme, “Come. Connect. Collaborate. Invest,” Onung described the message as a strategic call to action for building stronger tourism relationships between Africa and the rest of the world.

He explained that while the Abuja launch was designed to connect Nigeria and the Addis Ababa event to unite the continent, the London launch was intended to establish a stronger bridge between African destinations and the global tourism market.

“We launched regionally in Abuja to connect Nigeria. We launched continentally in Addis Ababa to connect Africa. Today, we launch globally here in London to connect Africa to the World and the World to Africa,” he said.

Addressing concerns about accessibility to African destinations, Onung rejected the perception that the continent was difficult to reach, insisting that Africa already possessed the necessary transportation and digital infrastructure to support international tourism.

According to him, the real challenge was no longer physical connectivity but the need to build meaningful relationships and partnerships capable of translating the continent’s tourism resources into economic opportunities.

“Africa is connected. From Uyo, where I arrived from a few days ago, to London where I am today, it is six hours. We have airports, we have seaports, we have fibre optics. What we need is not connection of cables, but connection of minds,” he stated.

Onung also spotlighted Akwa Ibom State’s tourism potential, citing its 129-kilometre Atlantic coastline, Ibeno Beach, the Oron Museum, which houses some of Africa’s oldest wood carvings, and the hospitality of its people.

He said the state, under Governor Umo Eno, was open to international partnerships and investment, adding that ongoing infrastructure development was positioning it to attract more visitors and tourism investors.

Making a strong case for genuine collaboration, the AITEC World adviser urged international tour operators and investors to see Africa as a destination for business partnerships and product development rather than merely a place for sightseeing.

“Africa does not need pity tourism. Africa needs partnership tourism. Do not come to Africa to take pictures of poverty. Come to Africa to build products with us. Collaborate with our tour operators, our museums, our cultural festivals,” he declared.

He explained that such partnerships would stimulate employment, strengthen local enterprises, promote cultural institutions and improve the economic wellbeing of host communities.

Describing AITEC World as a council rather than a travel agency, Onung said the organisation was established to bridge the gap between African tourism destinations and international markets.

He argued that increased tourist arrivals alone would not deliver the full economic benefits of tourism unless accompanied by investments in infrastructure, cultural assets and tourism enterprises.

“Visit is good. But investment is better. Africa has 1.4 billion people, 60 per cent under 25. The future of global tourism is African. The world will come to Africa because Africa has what the world no longer has: authentic culture, untapped destinations and natural warmth,” he added.

He identified investments in Akwa Ibom’s tourism and supporting infrastructure, including Arise Park, Ibom Hotels and the state’s road network, as evidence of the state’s readiness to engage international partners.

Using a colourful analogy towards the end of his address, Onung likened African tourism to a hidden Manchester United trophy in a London home, arguing that the continent’s immense tourism potential remained largely underappreciated despite its rich cultural and natural heritage.

He maintained that Africa was ready not only to showcase its tourism attractions but also to invite the international community to participate in developing them.

“Africa is not just inviting the world to visit. Africa is inviting the world to partner, to participate, and to prosper,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Ola Awakan, called for greater unity and collaboration among African tourism stakeholders, stressing that the continent could achieve more through collective action.

Awakan advocated a strategic approach to developing a sustainable cultural tourism economy that transcends national boundaries.

“I believe in the philosophy of togetherness and unity, key ingredients to personal growth and national development. Our industry must adopt a strategic process to sustain the vision of African cultural tourism economy across our borders. I must commend the President of AITEC for this great initiative,” he said.

Similarly, the immediate past President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) and Deputy President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, stressed the need for practical action plans to transform Africa’s tourism potential into measurable economic gains.

Akporiaye cautioned against relying on elaborate declarations without concrete implementation, noting that the international community was watching how African countries and industry stakeholders would translate their cultural and tourism assets into viable investment opportunities.

Meanwhile, the President of the National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha, reaffirmed her association’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as a competitive destination in the global tourism market.

She said NATOP would continue to leverage strategic platforms and international partnerships to attract more tourists to Nigeria.

Mustapha also commended AITEC World President, Mr. Dine Bouraima, for his commitment to establishing a continental platform for advancing cultural tourism.

At the event, NATOP unveiled its Nigerian Tourism Passport, a handbook showcasing major tourist destinations across the country.

The publication, designed in Nigeria’s national colours and bearing the country’s identity, attracted the attention of the NTDA Director-General, who commended the association for its initiative and efforts to promote domestic tourism.

Awakan, however, expressed the desire for similar initiatives to incorporate the input and endorsement of the national tourism authority as a way of strengthening institutional collaboration and ensuring greater coordination within the industry.

Earlier, AITEC World President, Mr. Dine Bouraima, welcomed participants and reiterated the need for Africa to take greater ownership of its tourism narrative and give its cultural assets stronger visibility in the global marketplace.

Bouraima said the Council’s previous unveiling in Abuja had demonstrated Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic relevance within Africa and the wider international community.

He called on African governments, development partners and international donor agencies to support AITEC World’s vision of expanding the global visibility of African cultural tourism while creating opportunities for international engagement, collaboration and investment.

AITEC World is a global council dedicated to connecting Africa with international markets through tourism, culture, entertainment and investment partnerships. It seeks to provide a platform for cooperation between African destinations and global stakeholders to promote the continent’s tourism resources and facilitate sustainable economic opportunities.

Gloria Odion, Maritme reporter 

Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola,  is leading a high-level Nigerian delegation to the 138th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in London, reaffirming the country’s commitment to strengthening global maritime governance and promoting safe, secure and sustainable international shipping.

The five -day meeting, which commenced on November 2 and ends on November 6, 2026, at the IMO headquarters in London, brings together representatives of member states to deliberate on critical issues affecting international shipping, maritime security, seafarers’ welfare and the future of the global maritime industry.

Nigeria’s participation as a Category C member of the 40 member IMO Council reflects its determination to play an active role in shaping international maritime policies while advancing the interests of developing maritime nations.

Oyetola’s participation comes at a critical time as the Council considers strategic measures to protect essential international shipping routes, improve the welfare of seafarers, strengthen institutional governance and advance environmental sustainability across the maritime sector.

Speaking on Nigeria’s participation, the minister reiterated the country’s commitment to working with other maritime nations and international partners to address emerging challenges confronting the global shipping industry.

He noted that effective international cooperation, stronger regulatory frameworks and collective action remained essential to ensuring a safer and more sustainable maritime environment.

“Nigeria recognises that the challenges confronting the global maritime industry require collective action, stronger international cooperation and effective regulatory frameworks.

“We are at the IMO Council to ensure that Nigeria’s interests are represented while contributing meaningfully to solutions that will strengthen maritime security, protect seafarers and promote sustainable shipping,” Oyetola said.

One of the major issues on the Council’s agenda is the protection of vital international shipping lanes, particularly against increasing security threats and attacks on commercial vessels operating in high risk maritime regions.

Under Agenda Item 11, which addresses the protection of vital shipping routes, Nigeria is expected to leverage its experience in combating piracy and other maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea to support stronger international collaboration and coordinated security measures.

Oyetola maintained that Nigeria’s progress in improving maritime security demonstrates the importance of sustained cooperation among coastal states, international organisations and relevant maritime stakeholders.

“Our experience in the Gulf of Guinea has shown that maritime insecurity can be addressed through political commitment, effective coordination and cooperation among regional and international partners.

Nigeria will continue to support initiatives that safeguard shipping routes and protect seafarers and maritime assets,” he stated.

The welfare and protection of seafarers also feature prominently in the Council’s deliberations, particularly following IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez’s condemnation of the use of seafarers as pawns in geopolitical disputes.

Nigeria is supporting measures to prevent the arbitrary detention and abandonment of seafarers while promoting their fair treatment, safe repatriation and mental well being.

The minister emphasised that seafarers remain central to the smooth operation of international trade and must be protected from the consequences of geopolitical tensions and conflicts.

“Seafarers are the lifeblood of international shipping.

“Their safety, dignity and welfare must never be compromised by geopolitical tensions.

“Nigeria supports stronger international measures to protect maritime workers and ensure that their rights are respected,” he said.

The Council is also reviewing financial allocations for the 2026–2027 biennium, alongside strategic priorities for the 2028–2029 period.

The deliberations provide Nigeria with an opportunity to advocate increased technical cooperation, institutional development and capacity building support for emerging maritime economies.

Oyetola stressed the need for stronger international partnerships that would enable developing maritime nations to translate global maritime policies into tangible economic and developmental benefits.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to building a competitive and sustainable Blue Economy, noting that access to technical expertise, institutional support and investment opportunities would be essential to strengthening the participation of developing countries in the global shipping industry.

“Nigeria is committed to building a competitive and sustainable Blue Economy.

We believe that developing maritime nations must have access to the technical expertise, institutional support and investment opportunities required to participate meaningfully in the evolving global shipping industry,” the minister added.

The Nigerian delegation accompanying Oyetola to the IMO Council meeting includes the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Fatima Mahmood; Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola; Director of Maritime Services, Mr Oyinloye Adeola Meshack; and Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO, Mr William Bwala.

Gloria Odion, Maritme reporter 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has generated ₦302.95 billion in revenue for October 2026, representing an increase of ₦20.16 billion over the ₦282.79 billion collected in September.

The October revenue performance reflects a 7.13 per cent month on month increase and marks another significant milestone for the Command, following its record collection of over ₦323 billion in July 2026.

The development also highlights the Command’s sustained commitment to revenue generation,operational efficiency and trade facilitation under the leadership of its new Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu, who assumed duty on September 29, 2026.

Since taking over the Command, Mu’azu has placed considerable emphasis on stakeholder collaboration, improved service delivery and operational reforms in line with the policy direction of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, anchored on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.

As part of this approach, the CAC convened a stakeholder engagement meeting on October 5th, 2026, bringing together importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, shipping companies and terminal operators to address operational challenges affecting port activities.

Discussions at the meeting centred on issues such as delays in the issuance of Demand Notices, cargo clearance bottlenecks and other concerns affecting the smooth movement of goods through the port.

Beyond the meeting, Mu’azu has embarked on courtesy visits to key stakeholders and strategic partners within the port community to strengthen institutional relationships, promote mutual understanding and encourage greater cooperation towards improving the business environment for traders and other port users.

In a further move to improve operational efficiency, the Apapa Area Command has intensified efforts to review and streamline the processing of Transire, with the objective of eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic procedures, strengthening interdepartmental coordination and reducing processing time without compromising regulatory compliance.

Mu’azu explained that the reform was designed to address avoidable administrative delays and ensure that officers involved in the process discharge their responsibilities more efficiently.

He said the Command was committed to identifying operational challenges and implementing practical solutions that would improve service delivery and make legitimate trade less cumbersome.

He emphasised that,traders should not be made to bear the consequences of avoidable administrative lapses or delays, stressing the need for officers to adopt a more responsive and efficient approach to their responsibilities.

The CAC further emphasised that improving trade facilitation remained a major priority, noting that addressing operational inefficiencies would contribute to seamless business transactions and a more business-friendly port environment.

To further accelerate cargo clearance, Comptroller Mu’azu has directed officers to ensure that cargo examinations are conducted strictly in accordance with established procedures, relevant documentation and the required authorisations.

He warned against unnecessary, repetitive and unwarranted examinations capable of frustrating legitimate business activities and prolonging cargo clearance processes.

The CAC charged officers to carry out their duties promptly and professionally, while maintaining the necessary standards of compliance, revenue protection and national security.

The directive, according to the Command, is aimed at improving cargo turnaround time, strengthening operational transparency and creating a more predictable trading environment in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The Command is also strengthening collaboration among relevant departments and port stakeholders to identify and resolve operational challenges affecting cargo movement.

Meanwhile, the Command has sustained its enforcement activities with the interception of 437 sachets of Cannabis Sativa weighing 392.5 kilogrammes in two separate containers during the period under review.

The seized consignments comprised 162 sachets weighing 125 kilogrammes in container number MSKU0486747 and 275 sachets weighing 267.5 kilogrammes in container number TEMU6149358.

The combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the intercepted narcotics stands at ₦196,131,606.82.

The seizures were recorded during joint examinations conducted with relevant sister agencies, underscoring the Command’s determination to prevent the use of Nigeria’s maritime gateway for the movement of prohibited substances and other illicit goods.

The operation also reinforces the Service’s commitment to protecting public health, strengthening border security and combating activities capable of undermining national security.

Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to its statutory responsibilities, the Apapa Area Command said it would continue to consolidate its revenue performance, strengthen enforcement operations and deepen stakeholder partnerships to improve port efficiency.

Under Mu’azu’s leadership, the Command is pursuing a balanced operational strategy that prioritises revenue generation, regulatory compliance and national security while promoting legitimate trade, improving cargo clearance and supporting economic growth.