NANTA Moves To Produce Global Travel Ambassadors As British Airways Backs Training Institute

By Stella Okocha

The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies, NANTA, is set to professionalise travel agency practice in Nigeria through its Training Institute, with British Airways pledging full support.

The pledge was made on Wednesday, 14th October, 2026, when the NANTA National Executive Council paid a courtesy visit to the newly opened Country Office of British Airways in Lagos.

The NANTA delegation was led by its National President, Dr. Yinka Folami. They were received by the airline’s Regional Commercial Manager for West Africa, Mrs. Adetutu Otuyalo, and other top management staff.

Dr. Folami said the visit was to congratulate the airline on its new office and to deepen collaboration for the growth of the travel trade.

He described British Airways as an institution that has become part of Nigeria’s aviation history, having partnered with NANTA for over 50 years.

“British Airways is not just an airline in Nigeria; it is an institution that has become part of our aviation history. For over 50 years of NANTA’s existence, BA has been a dependable partner. Your new office is proof that you are here for the long haul, and NANTA is proud to be associated with this commitment,” he said.

He disclosed that a major project of his administration is the NANTA Training Institute, designed to bridge knowledge gaps, professionalise practice and produce globally competitive travel professionals.

“According to him, the Institute is designed to drive Nigerian travel professionals towards becoming certified Global Travel Ambassadors.

Responding, Mrs. Otuyalo thanked NANTA for its continuous support, noting that travel agents remain the backbone of British Airways’ commercial success in Nigeria and West Africa.

“We at British Airways believe that investment in people is the best investment. The standard of your profession determines the quality of experience our mutual customers get. On behalf of British Airways, I want to assure you of our full professional support for the NANTA Training Institute,” she said.

She said the airline will support the Institute in areas including professional training, product knowledge, global distribution best practices, customer service excellence and exposure to evolving airline technologies.

She added that British Airways will work out a structured training programme with NANTA to ensure members remain updated and globally competitive.

The visit ended with a tour of the new Country Office, with both parties reaffirming commitment to a stronger partnership spanning over five decades.