The Head of Service, Delta State, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, has commended the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies, NANTA, for putting in place regulatory mechanisms to checkmate sharp practices in the travel industry.
Dr. Oseji gave the commendation when members of NANTA, Eastern Zone, paid her a courtesy visit in Asaba.
Noting that regulatory oversight in both public and private establishments has been weak, the Head of Service urged the Association to develop strategic plans to rid the state of fraudulent travel agents.
She said public enlightenment alone would not be enough to eradicate fraud in the industry. She charged NANTA to mentor young people on the right path by teaching them that success can be achieved without cutting corners.
She also suggested that lessons on how to apply for scholarships and other legitimate opportunities should be included.
While appreciating the Association’s efforts at curbing crime in society, Dr. Oseji stressed that NANTA’s regulatory mechanism must be far-reaching to protect first-time travelers who are vulnerable to fraud while seeking visas at the airport.
Earlier, the NANTA Eastern Zonal Vice President, Engr. Ayoola Olatunji, thanked the Head of Service for receiving the delegation.
He explained that NANTA oversees travel agencies and tour operators in the South South and South East zones. He added that the Association also regulates tourism, noting that travel and tourism go hand in hand.
Engr. Olatunji disclosed that the visit was part of NANTA’s 2026 Eastern Stakeholders Engagement Tour, aimed at strengthening collaboration with stakeholders in the travel, tourism, aviation, and enterprise development sectors across the South region.
He stated that the Association’s objective is to eliminate scammers involved in the procurement of visas, tickets, and work permits.
He warned that no travel agent can guarantee visa issuance, as it remains at the discretion of the Consular Officer.
According to him, measures being put in place by NANTA to curb sharp practices include public sensitization on red flags, radio adverts, publication of a yellow pages’ directory, setting up a disciplinary committee for offenders, blacklisting erring agencies, and publishing their names.
