Nigeria has officially endorsed Egypt’s former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Khaled El-Enany, as the African Union (AU) candidate for the position of UNESCO Secretary General. The endorsement was announced by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, during the Nigeria-Egypt Business Forum held in Abuja, a high-level event focused on strengthening bilateral ties and expanding investment between the two African nations.
Ambassador Tuggar praised El-Enany as a globally respected Egyptologist and cultural diplomat, highlighting his extensive experience in heritage preservation, tourism development, and fostering international cooperation. “Nigeria is proud to support Mr. Khaled El-Enany,” he stated. “His outstanding work in Egypt, particularly his leadership in restoring African antiquities and promoting tourism as a tool for intercultural dialogue, aligns with our vision for inclusive and credible global representation.”
El-Enany served as Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities from 2016 to 2022, during which he led multiple high-profile restoration projects, revitalized Egypt’s cultural tourism sector, and positioned the country as a leader in heritage diplomacy. His candidacy for UNESCO’s top job is seen as a strong representation of Africa’s readiness to play a central role in global cultural institutions.
Nigeria’s endorsement reflects a broader continental effort to amplify African voices within international governance structures. Observers note that El-Enany’s academic background, practical achievements, and diplomatic expertise make him a compelling candidate to lead UNESCO at a time when cultural cooperation, heritage protection, and global south solidarity are increasingly vital.
The Nigeria-Egypt Business Forum also served as a platform to reinforce the long-standing cultural and economic ties between both nations, underscoring their shared commitment to regional integration, heritage preservation, and mutual growth. As the race for UNESCO Secretary General gains momentum, Nigeria’s support marks a significant step toward African unity and strategic influence on the global stage.
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