The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has announced plans to reposition itself ahead of its 50th anniversary celebration scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, as part of efforts to address negative perceptions about Nigeria’s travel industry.
Speaking at a world press conference in Ikeja, Lagos, NANTA President Yinka Folami said the association is committed to countering what he described as “harsh headlines” about Nigeria and restoring global confidence in the country’s travel and tourism sector.
He noted that increasing visa restrictions and declining global trust are among key challenges affecting Nigeria’s image, stressing that these issues do not reflect the nation’s cultural and ethnic diversity.
Folami said NANTA is focused on protecting the commercial viability of Nigeria’s travel distribution market and supporting the businesses of its members, many of whom operate within a highly pressured environment.
He highlighted several challenges affecting the sector, including dollar-only ticket sales by some airlines, airline debit memos, anti-competitive practices, and misinterpretation of tax policies, which he said continue to threaten travel agency operations.
Despite these concerns, he reaffirmed that NANTA members are trained professionals committed to ethical business practices and global standards, insisting that the association does not condone illegality or misconduct.
“Our members are professionals who operate in line with global best practices,” he said.
On customer protection, Folami stated that travel agents remain committed to safeguarding passengers’ interests and ensuring that disputes with airlines are resolved amicably. He added that complaints involving international airlines are typically escalated to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for resolution.
He also addressed concerns about non-member agents in the industry, saying NANTA is actively distancing itself from fraudulent operators while working to raise professional standards across the sector.
“We are stepping forward as unofficial diplomats of Nigeria,” he said, adding that the association has previously represented the country at global travel platforms such as the World Travel Market.
As part of its restructuring efforts, Folami announced that NANTA’s training committee has evolved into a formal institution, the NANTA Training Institute for Travel Professionals Limited/GTE, aimed at improving industry standards and professional discipline.
He called on the Federal Government to strengthen regulatory oversight in the travel sector to protect consumers, SMEs, and the broader tourism value chain.
“NANTA is not just celebrating the past; we are correcting the present and positioning for the future,” he added.
The association, which now boasts over 3,500 members nationwide, says its 50th anniversary theme, “Redefining Our Role as Global Travel Ambassadors,” reflects its renewed commitment to professionalism, advocacy, and global engagement.
Folami said the choice of Ibadan—described as the “City of Firsts”—symbolises a return to foundational values as the association enters a new phase of growth and responsibility.
