NIHOTOUR and NANTA Join Forces to Boost Training and Standards in Nigeria’s Travel Industry
igeria’s travel and tourism landscape is set for a transformative shift as the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) moves to formalize a strategic partnership with the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA). This collaboration is designed to elevate professionalism, streamline entry requirements, and curb unregulated practices within the country’s dynamic travel sector.
During a recent high-level meeting, leaders from both NIHOTOUR and NANTA discussed a unified approach to ensuring that every new entrant into Nigeria’s travel industry is adequately trained and aligned with global best practices. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to safeguarding industry integrity and advancing the professional development of travel practitioners throughout the country.
Dr. Abisoye Fagade, Director-General of NIHOTOUR, praised NANTA’s leadership in member training and described the association as a “leading advocate for professionalism.” In a significant move, Dr. Fagade indicated NIHOTOUR’s readiness to delegate its regulatory authority over training to NANTA. “Our goal is to ensure that anyone coming into the trade must pass through NANTA,” he stated. “This is the kind of collaboration we have been talking about, and we must continue to strengthen it.”
The partnership aims to create a structured pathway for aspiring travel professionals, mandating rigorous training and certification before entry. This approach is expected to raise the bar for service delivery, foster ethical practices, and reinforce consumer confidence in Nigeria’s travel offerings.
NANTA President, Mr. Yinka Folami, reaffirmed the association’s dedication to upholding high standards of professionalism and regulatory compliance. He highlighted NANTA’s proactive stance in engaging the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to regulate its members and noted the association’s focus on continuous professional development, including IATA certification, as central to its mission. “Our focus on professional development aligns perfectly with government-led reforms,” he added, signaling a unified vision for the sector’s future.
The pandemic era served as a catalyst for innovation within the travel industry, prompting the establishment of NANTA’s training academy. According to former NANTA President, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, this academy has become a vital hub for capacity building, equipping both new and established professionals with the skills needed to navigate an evolving market. The emphasis on structured learning and skills acquisition has positioned Nigeria’s travel workforce to compete more effectively at both regional and global levels.
Mr. Ahmed Ojuolape, President of Empire Travel Kano and a founding consultant for NIHOTOUR’s IATA Training Faculty, encouraged NANTA to leverage the NIHOTOUR Act to further institutionalize training initiatives. He underscored the importance of standardization, collaboration, and the adoption of internationally recognized benchmarks to keep Nigerian travel professionals at the forefront of the industry.
For Africa’s travel sector, this partnership is a model of how industry associations and government agencies can work together to drive progress. By streamlining entry into the profession and embedding quality assurance at every stage, Nigeria is laying the groundwork for a travel industry that is not only resilient in the face of global challenges but also equipped to seize new opportunities as travel demand rebounds.
As the collaboration between NIHOTOUR and NANTA moves forward, travel professionals and stakeholders are urged to embrace the new standards and participate actively in training programs. The anticipated results include enhanced service quality, increased job opportunities, and a stronger reputation for Nigeria as a center of travel excellence within Africa and beyond.
This forward-thinking approach to professional development and regulation sets a precedent for other African nations. As travel and tourism continue to play a pivotal role in economic diversification and job creation, initiatives like this will be crucial for building a workforce equipped to deliver world-class experiences and uphold the highest ethical standards.
With the formalization of this partnership, Nigeria’s travel industry stands at the threshold of a new era—one defined by professionalism, growth, and a renewed commitment to excellence across every facet of the travel trade.
