Ikpeazu Assumes Duties as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to UN Tourism, Targets Global Investment
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has formally assumed duties as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism) following the presentation of his Letters of Commission to the organisation’s Secretary-General, Shaikha Al Nowais.
Oluwafemi Adeniyi, Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja disclosed this in a Statement on Saturday, 14 November 2026.
According to the Statement, the presentation ceremony took place on Friday, November 13, 2026, at the UN Tourism headquarters in Madrid, Spain, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ikpeazu, who was accompanied by the Senior Counsellor at the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, is expected to represent Nigeria’s tourism interests, strengthen international partnerships and attract investment and technical cooperation opportunities through the global organisation.
During a meeting after the presentation, Al Nowais commended Nigeria’s active participation in the organisation’s activities and expressed her readiness to work with the Nigerian envoy to deepen cooperation between both parties.
In his remarks, Ikpeazu conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill message to the Secretary-General and highlighted Nigeria’s vast tourism potential, citing its diverse cultural heritage, vibrant music industry, globally recognised Nollywood film industry and colourful festivals.
He also identified seasonal events such as the popular Detty December celebrations as major attractions capable of drawing international visitors and boosting the country’s tourism economy.
The Ministry said Ikpeazu’s diplomatic mandate aligns with the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda, which recognises tourism and the creative industries as important drivers of economic growth and employment generation.
It added that his appointment would provide Nigeria with an opportunity to articulate its tourism priorities, foster partnerships with member states and promote inward investment within the UN Tourism framework.
The accreditation also comes as Nigeria strengthens its participation in the organisation’s activities, including the recent admission of the Eko Tourism Foundation as an Affiliate Member during the 126th Session of the UN Tourism Executive Council in Toledo, Spain.
The Ministry noted that Ikpeazu’s concurrent accreditation would enable Nigeria to take advantage of Madrid’s position as the headquarters of UN Tourism to advance its cultural diplomacy and international tourism engagement.
Al Nowais is the first woman to lead the organisation in its 50-year history.
