As NCAA, NANTA set to crack down on quack operators.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reaffirmed that all travel agencies in the country operate under its direct supervision. This move is aimed at sanitising the travel and tourism sector, which has seen a rise in fraudulent practices by unregistered operators.
In a campaign video made available to Travelpulse&MICE recently by the national deputy President of National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), Dr Tokunbo Dragooned, emphasised the need for strict professional operations in the travel industry, a move which was targeted at eradicating quacks and scammers from the industry.
The footage announced that NANTA remains the umbrella body for all registered travel agencies in Nigeria. According to the officials, NANTA works hand-in-hand with the NCAA to ensure compliance, professionalism, and consumer protection across the industry.
NANTA warned that any organisation or individual operating without proper registration with the association will face prosecution. The association emphasised that such enforcement is necessary to protect travellers from being duped by quacks.
“Travel agency operations are not a casual business. They require registration, regulation and accountability: Anyone willing to operate as a travel agency must visit the nearest NANTA office to register and obtain proper clearance,” it stated.
The association also called on the general public to be vigilant when transacting with travel agencies. Citizens were advised to patronise only NANTA-registered agencies, as dealing with unregistered operators could result in financial loss and travel disruptions.
NANTA further explained that registration with the association not only legitimises a travel agency’s operations but also gives clients confidence that they are dealing with professionals recognised by both NANTA and the NCAA.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move, noting that it will help restore trust in Nigeria’s travel sector. Many travellers have in recent times, fallen victim to scams, with some losing large sums of money to fake agencies promising cheap tickets and tour packages.
The NCAA, on its part, reiterated its commitment to supporting NANTA’s enforcement drive. It warned that quacks will not only face legal action but may also be blacklisted from participating in any aviation or travel-related business in Nigeria. For more information, NANTA directed interested parties and members of the public to visit its official website at [(link unavailable)]((link unavailable)) or approach any of its state offices nationwide.
With this renewed crackdown, both NANTA and the NCAA hope to create a safer, more transparent travel industry — one where Nigerians can book flights and travel packages with confidence, free from fear of fraud.