Arecord 94 million foreign tourists craving for sun, sand and culture flocked to Spain in 2024 as the sector drives the country’s bullish economy, the tourism minister said on Wednesday.

Tourism represents around 13 percent of the economy in the world’s second most-visited country, which this year has sustained growth rates well above a mostly sluggish eurozone.

“In 2024, the forecast for international tourists is around 94 million, 10 percent more than 2023. Spain therefore continues to break records,” Industry and Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu said in Madrid.

The spend by foreign tourists last year is estimated at around 126 billion euros ($130 billion), a 16-percent increase on 2023, Hereu added.

But the boom has generated a backlash in tourist hotspots. Locals are complaining that surging visitor numbers are driving up rents and changing the fabric of their neighbourhoods.

Barcelona and the popular southern coastal city of Malaga have announced measures to clamp down on short-term tourist rentals in a bid to tame popular discontent at rampant housing prices.

The Zonal Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP), Akwa Ibom State command has faulted the media report that hospitals and Clinics in the state involve in organ harvesting.

The agency’s Head of Public Enlightenment in the state, Mrs Eme Ukpabio made the denial in a statement on Monday following media reports credited to her during the 2025 National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Uyo that “one person had been arrested in connection with organ harvesting and that some clinics and hospitals were engaged in the business of organ harvesting in the state.”

While noting that her response to the question on organ harvesting as asked by the media was misinterpreted; she said it was aimed at drawing the attention of stakeholders to the dynamism and evolving nature of human trafficking in all the states in Nigeria and globally.

According to her, her remark was also intended to highlight the need for collective efforts of all stakeholders, adding that NAPTIP never accused any entity within the state of organ harvesting.

The statement read in parts, “My attention has been drawn to the publications by some national newspapers and online media organizations that clinics and hospitals in Akwa Ibom State indulge in organ harvesting and that an organ harvesting suspect was subsequently arrested in the state.

“I therefore want to put the record straight as follows: That my statement on the organ harvesting syndicate was intended to draw attention of stakeholders to the dynamism and evolving nature of human trafficking in all the states in Nigeria and globally especially

“That the statement was to highlight the need for collective efforts of all stakeholders including sister law-enforcement agencies, CS0’s, development Partners, State and Non-State Actors among others and that NAPTIP never accused any entity within the state of organ harvesting.

“That my statement translated to the fact that there is possible suspicion of organ harvesting in the state as it is in other states in Nigeria.”

She also stated that the figure of 750-1000 people being trafficked in Akwa Ibom State were obtained from UNODCS google report of June 2023 which states that; “between 750,000 to one million persons are trafficked

She said “I also want to put the records straight that the statistics or data that 750,000 to one million person trafficked yearly from Nigeria which Akwa Ibom State is part, was drawn from UNODCS google report of June 2023 which states that; “between 750,000 to one million persons are trafficked annually from Nigeria, and I added that Akwa Ibom State is one of the Nigerian States that is endemic.”

The Enlightenment Officer who highlighted the collaborative role of Akwa Ibom State government and other stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking commended the state governor, Umo Eno in setting up anti- trafficking task force through the Office of the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, and the recent creation of the Humanitarian
Affairs Ministry.

She added “NAPTIP Uyo Command makes bold to say with all sense of responsibility that it has enjoyed unparalleled collaboration and support of the State Government in the areas of tackling the issues of human trafficking.

“That His Excellency’s led administration has proved to be most responsive in addressing critical issues that affect the citizens like human trafficking. That it is demonstrated through the setting up of necessary structures and institutions in the state.

“On the Agency’s part, we shall continue to work closely with the State Government through relevant organs of the Government and as well as the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Nigerian Barr Association (NBA), NACTAL, and Religious bodies”

A research firm, SB Morgen, SBM, Intelligence, has identified Port Harcourt, Lagos, Maiduguri, Jos, Calabar, Kano, Eleme Junction in Rivers State and Onitsha as the eight most dangerous areas for security threats in Nigeria.

In its findings, SBM highlighted major cities and highways prone to theft, attacks, and road hazards, offering critical insights into the country’s security challenges.

The report noted that Port Harcourt is the most perilous city, with 85 reported incidents, primarily involving violent crimes such as armed robbery and kidnapping.

According to the report, Maiduguri ranks next with 52 incidents, plagued by ongoing insurgent threats. Lagos recorded 32 incidents, with urban crime concentrated in high-density areas.

“The Makurdi-Jos route presents another troubling scenario, with a blend of youth gang violence and farmer-pastoral conflicts.

“These incidents often lead to roadblocks and attacks on motorists, highlighting systemic lapses in government security provisions,” the report stated.

Jos, Calabar, and Kano each registered between 18 and 23 incidents, with communal clashes and urban theft dominating the security landscape.

Eleme Junction in Rivers State, a strategic transport hub, accounted for 16 incidents, while Onitsha’s bustling trade routes recorded 15 cases of theft and related crimes.

“The Port Harcourt-Warri route has now surpassed the Abuja-Kaduna highway in danger levels,” the report added, noting the prevalence of kidnapping for ransom.

The report also highlighted infrastructural deficiencies, revealing that 84.6% of respondents had experienced or heard of security incidents on their travel routes. Only 42% considered the roads somewhat safe, while just 2.4% described them as very safe.

The survey underscored challenges such as potholes, poor drainage, and traffic congestion, which exacerbate road hazards. It called for “improved security measures to safeguard travellers” and enhance road infrastructure.

Nigeria’s roads remain fraught with danger, with uneven maintenance and inconsistent police patrols leaving residents and travellers vulnerable.

The findings emphasised the urgent need for strategic interventions to address these challenges and ensure safer travel nationwide.