Plateau, Namibia explore tourism, mining, livestock partnership

Plateau State in Nigeria and the Republic of Namibia are initiating discussions for a strategic partnership focused on key sectors including tourism, mining, wildlife conservation, livestock development, and intra-African trade. These talks gained momentum during a visit by Namibia's High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E. Walde Natangwe Ndevashiya, to Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the New Government House in Jos.

The meeting saw a significant turnout of senior government officials and stakeholders, even on a public holiday, which both parties highlighted as a testament to their strong commitment to governance and cooperation. Ndevashiya commended the Plateau State government's engagement, noting that the high attendance demonstrated a serious approach to development partnerships. "Your presence here is a strong demonstration of commitment to service, and we are impressed by what we have seen," he stated.

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I did not expect to meet such a large gathering of leaders, especially on a public holiday when many would ordinarily be with their families. Your presence here is a strong demonstration of commitment to service, and we are impressed by what we have seen.

Ndevashiya described Plateau State as a "true home of peace and tourism," praising its hospitality, favorable climate, and tourism potential. He indicated that Namibia is keen on expanding cooperation with Nigerian states in sectors such as mining, tourism, agriculture, wildlife management, and the creative economy. "We are here to move from rhetoric to action. Africa must begin to trade meaningfully with itself. Plateau State and Namibia can lead that process through practical cooperation in mining, tourism, wildlife development, agriculture, and the creative economy," Ndevashiya remarked.

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We are here to move from rhetoric to action. Africa must begin to trade meaningfully with itself. Plateau State and Namibia can lead that process through practical cooperation in mining, tourism, wildlife development, agriculture, and the creative economy.

Governor Mutfwang characterized the engagement as a milestone in efforts to position Plateau State as an investment and tourism destination. He recalled a 2012 visit to Namibia that influenced his administration's interest in adopting best practices in wildlife conservation and tourism. "When we began to think seriously about rebuilding and enhancing our wildlife park, Namibia naturally came to mind because of the remarkable success they have achieved in conservation and tourism," the governor said.

Mutfwang expressed confidence in Africa's capacity to build strong economies through intra-African trade and strategic partnerships, pledging Plateau State's readiness to support policy coordination and investment frameworks to translate discussions into concrete projects. Former Nigerian Ambassador to Namibia, Ambassador Bagudu Hirse, also praised Namibia as a strong model in tourism and wildlife management and commended the efforts to deepen bilateral relations.

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When we began to think seriously about rebuilding and enhancing our wildlife park, Namibia naturally came to mind because of the remarkable success they have achieved in conservation and tourism.