The Western Zone of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has strengthened its strategic partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Police Force in Oyo State as part of efforts to promote professionalism, consumer protection, security and ethical practices within Nigeria’s travel and tourism industry.
The NANTA delegation, led by the Western Zone Vice President, Prince Olaleye Abiodun Ajibade, paid separate courtesy visits to the Oyo State Command of the NDLEA and the Nigeria Police Force in Ibadan on Wednesday.
Other members of the delegation included the Zonal Secretary, Mr. Olatundun Olumide; Zonal Treasurer, Mrs. Opeyemi Alabi; Zonal Financial Secretary, Dr. Adegbola Olufemi Peter; Zonal Internal Auditor, Mr. Temitope Ogunsebikan; Welfare Officer, Mr. Ojekunle Afeez Bayo; and Zonal Public Relations Officer, Mr. Adewale Dada.
At the NDLEA Oyo State Command Headquarters, the delegation was received by the State Commander, Commander Adetula Oluwarotimi Lawal, alongside members of the command’s management team.
Speaking during the visit, Prince Ajibade said the engagement was aimed at fostering institutional collaboration with agencies responsible for protecting Nigeria’s image and ensuring the safety of travellers.
He reaffirmed NANTA Western Zone’s commitment to working closely with the NDLEA in educating travel professionals and the public on the dangers of drug trafficking and other criminal activities capable of undermining national security and damaging the country’s international reputation.
According to him, travel professionals have a responsibility to discourage illegal activities and support security agencies through advocacy, awareness campaigns and continuous sensitisation.
In his response, Commander Lawal commended NANTA Western Zone for initiating the partnership, describing the move as timely and commendable.
He assured the association of the command’s readiness to participate in future NANTA programmes by deploying officers to educate members on emerging drug trafficking trends, preventive measures, legal responsibilities and the role of travel professionals in combating illicit drug activities.
Both parties agreed that sustained collaboration, public enlightenment and information sharing would help promote responsible travel and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s travel and tourism industry.
The delegation later visited the Oyo State Police Command Headquarters, where it was received by the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, alongside members of the command’s management team.
During the meeting, Prince Ajibade expressed concern over the activities of fake and unregistered travel operators, noting that their fraudulent practices continue to tarnish the image of the travel industry and defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.
He appealed for stronger collaboration between the police and NANTA in identifying, investigating and prosecuting fraudulent travel operators while protecting the integrity and reputation of registered NANTA members.
Responding, the Commissioner of Police commended NANTA Western Zone for its proactive efforts to sanitise the travel industry, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility requiring collaboration between law enforcement agencies, professional bodies and the public.
He urged the association to intensify public
awareness campaigns to help Nigerians distinguish registered NANTA members from fraudulent operators.
According to him, registered NANTA members are accountable, traceable and professionally regulated, making them more reliable for members of the public seeking genuine travel services.
CP Olugbenga assured the association of the Oyo State Police Command’s commitment to collaborating with NANTA in promoting professionalism, consumer protection, intelligence sharing and the eradication of fraudulent practices within the travel industry.
The twin engagements, according to NANTA Western Zone, form part of its broader stakeholder engagement initiative aimed at strengthening partnerships with key government institutions to promote ethical business practices, enhance consumer confidence and improve security across Nigeria’s travel and tourism sector.
Both the NDLEA and the Nigeria Police Force pledged their continued support for the association’s vision, expressing optimism that the collaboration would foster greater public awareness, improved professionalism and a more credible travel industry in Nigeria.
