CITIZENS COMPASS— The long-standing partnership between the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) and British Airways received a major boost on Wednesday, 14th October, 2026, as the national executive of NANTA paid a courtesy visit to the newly opened Country Office of British Airways in Lagos.
The delegation was led by NANTA National President, *Dr. Yinka Folami*, in company with other members of the National Executive Council. The visit was to congratulate the airline on its new strategic office and explore fresh areas of collaboration for the growth of the travel trade in Nigeria.
The team was warmly received by the airline’s Regional Commercial Manager for West Africa, *Mrs. Adetutu Otuyalo*, alongside other top management staff.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Folami commended British Airways for its decades of resilience, professionalism, and unwavering confidence in the Nigerian market. He described the move to the new country office as self-renewing and strategic.
“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,” Dr. Folami stated.
He briefed the BA management on a flagship project of his administration – the *NANTA Training Institute*, aimed at professionalizing travel agency practice, bridging knowledge gaps, and producing the next generation of globally competitive travel professionals.
According to him, the Institute is designed to drive Nigerian travel professionals towards becoming certified Global Travel Ambassadors.
In her response, Mrs. Otuyalo expressed appreciation to NANTA for the solidarity visit and continuous support. She noted 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 pledged.
According to her, the airline will support the Institute in areas of 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 program with NANTA to ensure members are constantly updated and globally competitive.
The visit ended with an inspection tour of the new British Airways Country Office, with both parties reaffirming commitment to a stronger, mutually beneficial relationship.
The NANTA-British Airways relationship, spanning over five decades, remains one of the most enduring airline-trade partnerships in Nigerian aviation.
