The President, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies, NANTA, Mr. Yinka Folami says the association is currently grappling with mounting industry challenges, placing unprecedented pressure on local operators and the broader travel market.
The association, he however, says is stepping up efforts to protect its members while working to rebuild international confidence in Nigeria’s travel industry.
At a world press conference in Lagos, the NANTA President, warned that the industry is facing mounting red flags, including tightening visa restrictions on Nigerians, damaging international headlines, and a growing erosion of global trust.
He said these challenges are not only affecting the country’s image but also threatening the survival of travel businesses, as some airlines insist on dollar-only ticket sales, impose heavy debit charges on agents, and engage in practices the association describes as anti-competitive.
Mr. Folami also raised concerns over the misapplication of tax policies, which he says is placing additional strain on operators.
He, however, stressed that NANTA is responding with a deliberate reset, aimed at repositioning its members as global travel ambassadors and correcting negative perceptions about Nigeria.
According to him, the association is taking steps to safeguard the commercial viability of its members while promoting professionalism and accountability across the sector.
He made it clear that NANTA is distancing itself from all forms of illegality, insisting that fraudulent operators do not represent the association.
Instead, he said, members will take on a broader role as unofficial ambassadors of Nigeria, using their direct engagement with travellers to promote a more positive national image.
As part of this repositioning, the association has strengthened its institutional framework, including the establishment of a professional training institute to enforce standards and improve industry practice.
Against this backdrop, NANTA also announced that its 50th anniversary celebrations and Annual General Meeting, AGM, will hold in Ibadan, a location Mr. Folami described as symbolic of history, structure and cultural heritage.
He said the choice of venue reflects the association’s intention to return to foundational values while charting a new course for the future.
The event with the theme: “Embracing Our Diverse Cultural Heritage from the City of Firsts Redefining Our Role as Global Travel Ambassadors”, is expected to bring together key government officials, first class traditional rulers, international stakeholders and industry leaders to address policy, regulation and global best practices.
The NANTA President emphasized that, the anniversary is not just a celebration of NANTA’s five decades of existence, but a turning point to correct current challenges and reposition Nigeria’s travel industry for sustainable growth.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen