NIHOTOUR, NANTA Partner to Mandate Professional Training for All Nigerian Travel Agents

Nigeria’s travel and tourism landscape is poised for a major overhaul as the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) formalises a strategic partnership with the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA). 

This landmark collaboration aims to elevate industry standards by mandating professional training, streamlining entry requirements, and curbing unregulated practices within the sector.

In a recent high-level meeting on August 31, leaders from both organisations committed to a unified approach, ensuring every new entrant into the travel trade is adequately trained and aligned with global best practices. This move underscores a shared goal of safeguarding the industry’s integrity and advancing the professional development of its practitioners.

According to Travelnews.africa, Dr. Abisoye Fagade, Director-General of NIHOTOUR, praised NANTA as a “leading advocate for professionalism” and announced a significant step towards industry self-regulation. He announced NIHOTOUR’s readiness to delegate its training regulatory authority to NANTA. 

“Our goal is to ensure that anyone coming into the trade must pass through NANTA. This is the kind of collaboration we have been talking about, and we must continue to strengthen it,” he stated.

The partnership will establish a structured pathway for aspiring travel professionals, which will require rigorous training and certification as prerequisites for entry. This is expected to raise the bar for service delivery, foster ethical conduct, and ultimately boost consumer confidence in Nigeria’s travel market.

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NANTA President, Mr. Yinka Folami, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to high standards, highlighting its proactive engagement with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and its focus on continuous professional development, including IATA certification. 

“Our focus on professional development aligns perfectly with government-led reforms,” Mr. Folami added, signalling a unified vision for the sector’s future.

The initiative builds on momentum from the pandemic era, which spurred the creation of NANTA’s training academy. Former NANTA President, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, noted that the academy has become a vital hub for capacity building, equipping professionals to navigate an evolving market.

A founding consultant for NIHOTOUR’s IATA Training Faculty, Mr. Ahmed Ojuolape, encouraged NANTA to leverage the NIHOTOUR Act to institutionalise its training programs further, stressing the importance of standardisation and internationally recognised benchmarks.

This collaboration positions Nigeria as a model for Africa, demonstrating how government agencies and industry associations can unite to drive progress. By embedding quality assurance at the entry level, Nigeria is building a resilient travel industry that is equipped to seize global opportunities. Stakeholders are now urged to embrace these new standards to enhance service quality, increase job opportunities, and solidify Nigeria’s reputation as a centre of travel excellence.

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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQs)

What is the core purpose of the partnership between NIHOTOUR and NANTA?

The primary goal is to professionalise Nigeria’s travel and tourism sector by mandating training and certification for all new entrants, streamlining entry requirements, and curbing the activities of unregulated practitioners.

What significant change will this collaboration introduce for new travel professionals in Nigeria?

New entrants into the travel trade will be required to undergo rigorous training and obtain certification through the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) before they can begin practising. NIHOTOUR’s Director-General stated, “Anyone coming into the trade must pass through NANTA.”

Who are the key organisations leading this initiative?

The two central bodies are the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), a government agency, and the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), the umbrella body for travel professionals in the country.

What are the expected benefits of this new regulatory framework?

The anticipated results include a higher standard of service delivery, stronger ethical practices, increased consumer confidence, enhanced job opportunities, and a better reputation for Nigeria as a centre of travel excellence in Africa and globally.

How does this partnership serve as a model for other countries?

This collaboration is seen as a model for how government agencies and private industry associations across Africa can work together to drive progress, standardise professional qualifications, and build a resilient and competitive tourism workforce.