By Jimoh Babatunde

Ibadan — The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has marked its 50th Annual General Meeting with a strong call for professionalism, market protection, and deeper collaboration across the travel and tourism sector.

Speaking at the milestone event in Ibadan, President of NANTA, Dr. Yinka Folami, described the association’s golden jubilee as more than a celebration of longevity, but a reflection of its enduring role as the organized voice of Nigeria’s downstream travel trade.

“Fifty years is not just a number; it is a legacy,” Folami said, noting that the association has, over the decades, played a pivotal role in shaping industry standards, supporting policy compliance, and consistently representing the interests of its members.

According to him, NANTA has grown to over 3,500 members nationwide, positioning itself as a structured, visible, and professional body within the travel ecosystem.

Folami said the current administration has been guided by a three-pronged agenda of fair play, market protection, and market strengthening, stressing that transparency, accountability, and equity must remain central to industry operations.

He added that the association has maintained active engagement with government on policy and fiscal matters, while contributing to discussions around taxation, compliance, and cross-border travel issues.

“We have also strengthened collaboration with airlines, tourism bodies, and international partners, maintaining that effective regulation must be built on a proper understanding of the industry,” he said.

The NANTA president acknowledged that the travel sector continues to face challenges, including visa restrictions on Nigerians, market distortions, and anti-competitive practices, as well as uncertainties around taxation and compliance.

Despite these hurdles, he expressed optimism that the industry holds significant opportunities for growth, particularly through better organization, enhanced professional education, and improved global positioning.

“At 50, we are not just celebrating history; we are redefining our future,” he said.

Folami further announced plans to reposition members as global travel ambassadors, emphasizing their role in projecting Nigeria’s image and values internationally.

He said the association is intensifying efforts to strengthen internal discipline, deepen compliance frameworks, and adopt a more strategic approach to destination promotion.

The choice of Ibadan as host city, he noted, is symbolic, describing it as the “City of Firsts” with a legacy of pioneering achievements, including hosting West Africa’s first university and teaching hospital.

Looking ahead, Folami called for greater unity among members, higher standards of practice, and stronger collaboration with stakeholders to sustain industry growth and integrity.

“As NANTA looks to the future, driving reforms, expanding partnerships, and nurturing the next generation of travel professionals, its story remains inseparable from that of Nigeria’s growing travel and tourism industry.

“As we mark this 50-year milestone, let us remember that we are not just part of this industry, we are shaping it,” he said.