By Adenike Lawal
In a landmark move set to reshape Nigeria’s travel industry, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has officially accepted a proposal from the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) to regulate the activities of its members.
Announced on February 22, 2025, this agreement aims to tackle the growing concerns over fraudulent operators and restore public trust in the sector.
The NCAA, which has traditionally regulated all aspects of Nigeria’s aviation industry except travel agencies, revealed its decision through a post on X by Michael Achimugu, the authority’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection.
Achimugu described the collaboration as a “proactive and necessary step” initiated by NANTA to protect the reputation of legitimate agents and curb the rising tide of fraudulent practices.
“This request for regulation marks a significant milestone,” Achimugu stated. “It will not only protect consumers but also enhance confidence in the travel industry by eliminating unlicensed operators who have been deceiving customers.”
Echoing this sentiment, Yinka Folami, President of NANTA, expressed optimism about the far-reaching benefits of the agreement.
Folami emphasized that while many professional agents are already aligned with NCAA’s best practices, formal regulation would help weed out impostors damaging the industry’s credibility.
“This partnership will help address recurring issues like flight delays, cancellations, and the detrimental effects of quacks who tarnish our reputation,” Folami remarked.
He reaffirmed that genuine travel agents remain committed to delivering top-tier services, and the new regulatory framework would help distinguish them from fraudulent operators.
This unprecedented collaboration between NCAA and NANTA signals a new era of accountability and professionalism in Nigeria’s aviation and travel sector.
With both organizations united in their commitment to consumer protection and service excellence, the future looks promising for travelers and industry stakeholders alike.
