The Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has formally assumed diplomatic responsibilities 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.
The presentation ceremony took place on Friday, November 13, 2026, at the UN Tourism headquarters in Madrid, Spain, marking the formal accreditation of Ikpeazu as Nigeria’s chief envoy to the specialised United Nations agency.
The development underscores Nigeria’s renewed commitment to strengthening its engagement with the global tourism community and advancing the country’s tourism, cultural and economic interests within the international system.
Ikpeazu, who is also Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, was accompanied to the ceremony by the Senior Counsellor at the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
Following the presentation of credentials, the Nigerian envoy held a brief meeting with Al Nowais, who commended Nigeria for its active participation in the activities of UN Tourism.
The Secretary-General also expressed her readiness to work closely with Ikpeazu to strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and the organisation, particularly in advancing shared objectives in the global tourism sector.
In his remarks, Ikpeazu conveyed the goodwill and warm wishes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the UN Tourism Secretary-General.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s vast tourism potential, drawing attention to the country’s rich cultural diversity, vibrant music industry, internationally recognised Nollywood film industry and colourful festivals.
The ambassador further identified seasonal cultural events, particularly the popular “Detty December” celebrations, as part of Nigeria’s growing tourism appeal, noting their capacity to attract visitors from different parts of the world.
He emphasised the importance of leveraging these cultural assets to enhance Nigeria’s visibility as a global tourism destination and create opportunities for greater international engagement.
As Permanent Representative, Ikpeazu is expected to articulate Nigeria’s tourism priorities within the organisation, strengthen partnerships with other member states and promote opportunities for inward investment and technical cooperation under the UN Tourism framework.
His diplomatic assignment is also expected to support the Federal Government’s broader economic diversification agenda, which identifies tourism and the creative industries as important contributors to economic growth, employment generation and national development.
The government’s renewed focus on the sector reflects the potential of Nigeria’s cultural and creative resources to generate foreign exchange, attract international visitors and provide sustainable economic opportunities for businesses and communities.
The accreditation also comes at a significant moment for UN Tourism, with Al Nowais making history as the first woman to lead the organisation in its 50-year history.
Her leadership presents an opportunity for member states, including Nigeria, to deepen collaboration and explore new approaches to developing tourism as a driver of inclusive economic growth.
Nigeria has continued to participate in the organisation’s programmes and initiatives, 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 admission represents another step towards strengthening Nigeria’s institutional participation in the international tourism community and expanding opportunities for collaboration between local tourism stakeholders and global industry players.
With his concurrent accreditation as Permanent Representative to UN Tourism, Ikpeazu is expected to utilise Madrid’s position as the organisation’s headquarters to advance Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy, strengthen international partnerships and promote the country’s tourism investment opportunities.
The development is expected to provide an additional diplomatic platform for projecting Nigeria’s cultural heritage, creative industries and tourism potential to the international community.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed the development in a press release signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
