ONYEMA ACCUSES SECURITY FIRMS OF DAMAGING NIGERIA'S GLOBAL REPUTATION, URGES SUPPORT FOR TOURISM

ONYEMA ACCUSES SECURITY FIRMS OF DAMAGING NIGERIA'S GLOBAL REPUTATION, URGES SUPPORT FOR TOURISM


Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema, has accused some private security companies of contributing to Nigeria's negative international image by overstating the country's security challenges, a situation he said is discouraging tourism, foreign investment and international business.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos during the 10th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Onyema said some security firms have created an atmosphere of fear that compels foreign pilots, engineers, technicians and airline crew to demand special security arrangements before accepting assignments in Nigeria.

According to him, while insecurity remains an issue that requires continuous government attention, certain organisations have turned the situation into a business by portraying Nigeria as an unsafe destination for visitors and expatriates.

He stated that foreign airline personnel are often advised that they could be kidnapped if they travel to Nigeria, resulting in requests for additional security guarantees before arriving in the country.

Onyema called on the Federal Government to engage such security companies, arguing that their activities are harming Nigeria's international reputation and weakening the country's tourism sector.

He also urged Nigerians to project a more positive image of the country by highlighting its strengths, cultural heritage and investment opportunities instead of focusing solely on its challenges.

The Air Peace chairman further expressed support for the Federal Government's Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, describing it as one of the most strategic infrastructure initiatives capable of transforming Nigeria's tourism industry and boosting economic activities along the nation's coastline.

According to him, the highway will improve connectivity, create employment opportunities and open Nigeria's extensive coastal corridor to both domestic and international tourists.

Onyema noted that Nigeria possesses significant but underdeveloped tourism assets, including its Atlantic coastline, diverse cultural heritage, festivals, traditional institutions and historical landmarks, which could become major sources of foreign exchange if properly harnessed.

Drawing a comparison with Caribbean countries, he said many of those nations have built thriving economies around beach and marine tourism despite having fewer natural resources than Nigeria.

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