Nigeria's NANTA Defends Merit-Based Leadership Ahead of Landmark Ibadan Elections
The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies, widely known as NANTA, has firmly rejected suggestions of gender imbalance within its leadership structures as the organisation prepares for elections at its upcoming Annual General Meeting in Ibadan. Senior figures within the association have emphasised that leadership selection is guided by professionalism, competence, and individual merit rather than gender considerations.
NANTA President Yinka Folami addressed the matter directly, clarifying that the association does not interfere with the aspirations of any member seeking leadership positions. He described NANTA as a professional platform where individuals are encouraged to contest based on their capacity and willingness to serve. According to Folami, women already occupy prominent leadership roles at the zonal level, with female executives forming the majority in several regions across the country.
The president argued that perceptions of a gender gap at the national level reflect a natural cycle within organisational development, one that will balance itself over time as more women step forward to contest for higher positions. He was emphatic that NANTA maintains no bias based on gender, ethnicity, or religion, pointing to the diverse composition of leadership across its various zones as evidence of the association's inclusive character.
Board of Trustees member Bimbo Etim offered a complementary perspective, calling on women within NANTA to take greater ownership of their professional advancement by actively pursuing leadership opportunities. She acknowledged that female representation already exists within current structures and expressed confidence that future councils would see even stronger participation from women. Etim stressed that involvement in leadership remains voluntary and depends on individual readiness to contribute.
Adding his voice to the discussion, Olatokunbo Daguduro dismissed the gender bias narrative as misleading and characterised it as propaganda that does not reflect the reality of how NANTA operates. He explained that the electoral process within the association prioritises competence, professionalism, and demonstrated capacity above all other considerations. Daguduro highlighted that several zones already function under female-dominated leadership, and even in regions where women represent a smaller proportion of membership, capable female leaders have nonetheless risen to prominent positions.
Daguduro further emphasised that NANTA remains united and focused on delivering value to its members and the broader Nigerian travel industry. He expressed confidence that the forthcoming Annual General Meeting in Ibadan would demonstrate the association's ongoing commitment to inclusiveness and leadership selection based purely on merit.
For travel professionals across Africa, the discourse unfolding within NANTA offers relevant insights into how industry associations navigate questions of representation and governance. As tourism bodies across the continent mature and expand their influence, establishing transparent and credible leadership processes becomes essential for maintaining member confidence and attracting new talent into the sector.
The choice of Ibadan as the venue for this milestone gathering carries symbolic weight. The historic city has long served as a centre of Nigerian leadership and intellectual tradition, making it an appropriate setting for an organisation seeking to reinforce its foundations while charting a course for future growth.
NANTA serves as the umbrella body for travel agencies operating throughout Nigeria, representing a membership that continues to expand as the country's travel sector develops. The association plays a critical role in advocating for industry standards, supporting professional development, and engaging with regulatory authorities on matters affecting Nigerian travellers and tourism businesses.
As the Ibadan elections approach, the emphasis on merit-driven leadership signals NANTA's determination to maintain credibility and professionalism within its ranks. For African travel trade observers, the outcome will offer useful lessons on how industry associations can balance inclusive participation with the imperative to select leaders capable of advancing sectoral interests in an increasingly competitive environment.
