The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has urged the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) to enhance its function as a global representative for Nigeria. She emphasized that travel professionals must take an active role in shaping the country's international image and supporting government initiatives to revitalize the tourism sector.
Speaking at the 50th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of NANTA held in Ibadan over the weekend, Musawa highlighted the association's longstanding role as an unofficial ambassador for Nigeria on the world stage. The event was themed 'Embracing Our Diverse Cultural Heritage from the City of Firsts: Redefining Our Role as Global Ambassadors.' She called on NANTA to be more intentional in promoting a positive national identity.
Musawa noted that with a significant Nigerian diaspora and a youthful population comprising about 70 percent of the country, stakeholders must align with the government's long-term objectives, including the 2030 Development Agenda. She stressed that every interaction with international travelers presents an opportunity to change perceptions about Nigeria.
Also addressing the gathering, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, challenged NANTA to take a leading role in reshaping Nigeria's image abroad. She urged members to exercise due diligence when issuing air tickets to suspicious travelers, particularly underage children, as part of efforts to build the country's reputation. Dabiri-Erewa expressed NiDCOM's willingness to collaborate with NANTA to improve Nigeria's image wherever its citizens reside.
She further encouraged NANTA to strengthen its presence in international aviation and travel bodies such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), noting that these platforms offer opportunities to amplify Nigeria's voice globally.
In his response, the President of NANTA, Dr Yinka Folami, assured that the association would continue to partner with the government and its agencies to enhance Nigeria's image. Folami explained that NANTA members have historically served as good ambassadors for Nigeria by representing the country at various international conferences, including the World Travel Market (WTM).
