The Government of Plateau State and the Republic of Namibia have commenced high-level discussions aimed at establishing a strategic partnership in tourism, mining, wildlife conservation, livestock development, and intra-African trade.
Plateau State Governor, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, on Wednesday, May 28, 2026, hosted the Namibian High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E. Walde Natangwe Ndevashiya, at the New Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
The diplomatic engagement, which attracted top government officials and stakeholders despite the public holiday, underscored Plateau State’s growing emergence as a destination for international collaboration and investment under the “Time Is Now” administration.
Speaking during the courtesy visit, the Namibian High Commissioner commended Governor Mutfwang and members of his cabinet for their exceptional commitment to governance and public service.
“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,” the High Commissioner stated.
He described Plateau State as “a true home of peace and tourism,” while praising the state’s hospitality, serene climate, and vast tourism potential.
The envoy disclosed that the visit followed directives from the President of Namibia, Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, after discussions with former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo during activities marking the first anniversary of her administration earlier this year.
According to him, Namibia is seeking stronger relationships with Nigerian states, particularly in areas critical to economic diversification and continental integration.
“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,” he said.
The High Commissioner further revealed that Namibia is considering expanding its premium beef export market to Nigeria, noting that the country already exports high-quality beef products to Europe and the United States.
He also highlighted Namibia’s globally recognised expertise in wildlife conservation and fisheries, pledging technical cooperation that could support Plateau State’s ongoing efforts to revitalise its tourism and livestock sectors.
In his remarks, Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the visit as a significant diplomatic milestone that aligns with his administration’s vision of repositioning Plateau State as a hub for investment, tourism, and economic growth.
The Governor recalled his visit to Namibia in 2012, which exposed him to the country’s globally acclaimed wildlife conservation model and inspired his administration’s renewed commitment to rehabilitating Plateau State’s wildlife park and tourism assets.
“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 stated, expressing optimism that the partnership would yield tangible economic benefits for both parties.
Governor Mutfwang stressed the importance of African nations strengthening economic ties through intra-African trade, local industrial capacity, and strategic partnerships capable of reducing overdependence on foreign economies.
“Africa has enough capacity and resources to build prosperous economies if we look inward and mobilise our strengths effectively. Plateau State is ready to lead the pace in building stronger economic and cultural ties between Nigeria and Namibia,” the Governor declared.
He pledged the full cooperation of the Plateau State Government in facilitating policy coordination, technical exchanges, and investment opportunities that would accelerate the implementation of agreements reached during the visit.
Also speaking, former Nigerian Ambassador to Namibia and former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bagudu Hirse, described Namibia as one of Africa’s most successful tourism and wildlife economies.
A statement from the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State, Gyang Bere, noted that the former Ambassador commended President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for supporting stronger bilateral relations with Nigeria and praised Governor Mutfwang for prioritising strategic international partnerships capable of transforming Plateau State’s economy.
