Gambiaj.com – (Abuja, Nigeria) – The deep-seated relationship between The Gambia and Nigeria took center stage during a recent visit to the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) headquarters in Abuja. Leading a four-member delegation, Hon. Yankuba Darboe, the Chairman of the Brikama Area Council in The Gambia’s Western Region, expressed his nation’s strong desire to bolster tourism collaboration with Nigeria, going so far as to affectionately refer to The Gambia as Nigeria’s “37th state.”

Hon. Darboe’s remark underscored the existing strong bonds between the two West African nations and highlighted The Gambia’s strategic focus on Nigeria as a key market for its tourism sector. He emphasized the pivotal role tourism plays in the Gambian economy and passionately advocated for the NTDA to actively promote The Gambia as a desirable travel destination for Nigerians.

“Nigeria, with its large population, presents a ready market for Gambian tourism,” stated Hon. Darboe. “We urge NTDA to include The Gambia when recommending travel destinations.”

He further emphasized the potential for mutual benefit through regional cooperation, particularly in the areas of cultural exchange, investment opportunities, and the overall development of the tourism industry, leveraging the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol.

Richard Ovie Esewhaye, overseeing the Office of the Director General at the NTDA, warmly received the Gambian delegation and acknowledged the existing strong relationship between the NTDA and the Gambia Tourism Board. He recalled previous successful collaborations, including engagements with the Gambia Investment Forum.

While praising the current ties, Mr. Esewhaye urged both nations to translate existing agreements into tangible results, recognizing The Gambia’s notable achievements in cultural exchange, revenue generation, and capacity building within its tourism sector.

Adding to the discussion, Mr. F.O. Anumba, the NTDA’s Director of Special Duties, identified a significant impediment to tourism growth between the two countries: the absence of direct flight connections.

He stressed that establishing air connectivity would be a crucial step in significantly increasing tourist flow and further strengthening bilateral ties.

The visit concluded on a positive note with Hon. Darboe presenting Mr. Esewhaye with an Outstanding Leadership and Humanitarian Award, acknowledging his dedication to fostering tourism partnerships.