Controversy on Nigerians unnecessarily created by media: Goa tourism body

Panaji: Goa's Tourism Industry body on Saturday claimed the controversy surrounding the remarks against Nigerians in the state was "unnecessarily created by the media".

"It is an unnecessary controversy raked up by the media. We don't even have a sizable number of Nigerians in Goa," Savio Messias, President, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa said.

Messias said the government and the authorities concerned should act against foreigners staying illegally in the state and indulging in trades like drugs and prostitution.

"We want that the government take action against nationals from all countries who are living illegally here and indulging in illegalities like drugs and prostitution," he said.

Messias claimed that even nationals from European countries have been caught indulging in drug peddling and other illegal activities.

Nigerians come to Goa mostly for studies or playing football in various teams, he said.

"There are a few who come here on the pretext of studying in fake universities and get involved in illegal activities. Everybody in Goa knows about it," he added.

Recently, both Congress and BJP leaders have made remarks against Nigerians with Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar terming them as "annoying" and having "different attitude".

He had later said his statement was distorted and taken out of context by a section of media.

State Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar had also said "Goans were not happy with Nigerians".

Former state home minister Ravi Naik had demanded that entry of Nigerians in India be banned.

The comments by the politicians were made in the wake of attacks on African nationals in New Delhi last month.