The National Association of Nigerian Travel
Agencies (NANTA) has reached a monumental milestone, marking a half-century of
excellence, resilience, and leadership in Africa’s travel and tourism
sector. To celebrate its Golden Jubilee, the association has
converged on the historic city of Ibadan, Oyo State, from the 14th to
the 18th of April, 2026, for its 50th Annual General Meeting (AGM), Conference,
and Exhibition.
Under the theme "Embracing Our
Diverse Cultural Heritage from the City of Firsts: Redefining Our Role as
Global Ambassadors," the event serves as both a reflection on
five decades of industry growth and a strategic "reset" for the
future of Nigerian travel.
Day 1: A Grand Welcome to Ibadan (April 14)
The conference kicked off as delegates, industry
stakeholders, and international guests arrived in Ibadan, Nigeria’s "City
of Firsts." The atmosphere was one of reunion and prestige as participants
were warmly welcomed and assisted with registration and accommodation
arrangements.
The day concluded with an elegant Welcome
Cocktail. Designed to create a relaxed atmosphere, the evening provided a
perfect backdrop for networking, where veterans of the industry and emerging
travel professionals began the week by sharing visions for the next year.
Day 2: Journey into the Cradle of Civilization
(April 15)
On Day Two, the focus shifted from business
logistics to a deeply enriching cultural excursion to Ile-Ife, the
ancestral and spiritual heart of the Yoruba people.
The Ooni’s Palace: A Living History
Delegates were granted a rare audience at the Palace
of the Ooni of Ife, exploring sacred grounds that embody the spiritual
foundations of Yoruba civilization.
l Sacred
Statues: A major highlight was the viewing of ancient statues
representing foundational figures: Odùduwà(the progenitor), Obatala,
and Obalufon.
l Royal
Heritage: The tour provided insight into the lineage of the Ooni,
with particular homage paid to the influential reign of the 50th Ooni, Oba
Okunade Sijuwade (1980–2015), and the current monarch, Oba Adeyeye Enitan
Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), who continues the legacy of progressive leadership.
l Symbolic
Structures: Participants observed the ancient
palace door and the burial site of Irere Okin Tadenikawo,
underscoring the depth of tradition preserved within the palace walls.
Reflection at Ojaja Resort
The cultural exploration concluded at the Ojaja
Resort, where delegates enjoyed a serene and relaxing environment. This
provided the perfect setting for informal interactions and reflection on the
rich heritage encountered throughout the day.
As the conference continues through April 18th,
the "City of Firsts" remains the epicenter of a new era for Nigerian
tourism, one rooted in ancient history and soaring toward a global future.
Day 3:
Policy Dialogue and Industry Transformation (April 16)
The third day was defined
by a high-level focus on policy and the strategic repositioning of Nigeria’s
tourism landscape. Held at the International Conference Centre, University of
Ibadan, the highlight was a forward-looking keynote address delivered by Senator
AbdulFatai Buhari.
Senator Buhari challenged
travel professionals to evolve beyond traditional service delivery, urging them
to actively curate Nigeria’s rich cultural and heritage assets into globally
competitive tourism products. His address centered on four critical pillars for
industry growth:
l
Policy
Reform: Advocating
for stronger regulatory frameworks across the aviation and tourism sectors.
l
Operational
Efficiency:
Improving the reliability and quality of air travel services.
l
Strategic
Advocacy: Tackling
the persistent challenges of rising airfare costs and frequent flight
disruptions.
l
Collaboration: Fostering stronger synergies among
all industry stakeholders.
The session underscored the
growing consensus that tourism must be treated as a primary economic driver and
a powerful cultural export for Nigeria.
Day 4:
Government Partnership and Industry Recognition (April 17)
The final day focused on
institutional synergy and celebrating the pillars of the industry. The session
featured a robust goodwill message from the Honourable Minister of Art,
Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.
Minister Musawa lauded
NANTA’s 50-year legacy, identifying its members as essential engines of the
Nigerian tourism economy. She articulated a vision for the future built on:
l Innovation: Driving creativity throughout the
tourism value chain.
l Strategic Engagement: Harnessing the power of the diaspora
to elevate Nigeria's global profile.
l Institutional Collaboration: Deepening ties between the Federal
Government and private stakeholders to unlock the sector's full potential.
A Night
of Celebration and Leadership
The day concluded with a
Dinner and an award night at the Jogor Event Centre. A significant highlight was
the presentation of a Special Recognition Award to the League of Air Nigerian
Aviation Correspondents (LAAC). The award honored LAAC’s critical role in
shaping industry narratives, holding the sector accountable, and advocating for
growth. General Secretary Anthony Awunor accepted the award on behalf of the
organization.
The AGM also saw the
re-election of Dr. Yinka Folami as President of NANTA. Addressing the assembly,
Dr. Folami emphasized the association's commitment to market fairness,
regulation, and continued policy engagement for its 3,500+ members.
Distinguished
Dignitaries in Attendance
The conference was graced
by a prominent assembly of national leaders and traditional rulers, highlighting
the strategic importance of the sector to national identity:
1.
Dr.
Yinka Folami – President, NANTA
2.
His
Imperial Majesty, Ọọni of Ife – Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ọjaja II)
3.
Olubadan
of Ibadan – Oba Adewolu Ladoja
4.
Alake
of Egbaland – Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III
5.
Hon.
Hannatu Musawa – Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism & Creative Economy
6.
Senator
AbdulFatai Buhari
7. The chairman of the Nigeria in Diaspora Commission - Hon. Abike Dabiri - Erewa
Conclusion:
From Recognition to Execution
The 2026 NANTA Golden
Jubilee was more than a milestone; it was a call to action. The overarching takeaway
was clear: the future of Nigerian tourism lies in the intentional fusion of
culture, storytelling, and structured industry collaboration. As the sector
looks ahead, the focus has shifted from seeking recognition to the discipline
of execution—transforming heritage into globally competitive experiences and
conversation into tangible systems.
