NANTA hails NTDA and Dr. Awakan for Nigeria’s return to WTM London 2026, urges stronger global prese
Editor-provided material reports that the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has commended the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and its Director-General, Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, for leading Nigeria’s return to the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026 after several years of inconsistent participation. The NTDA, established under the NTDA Act 2022, is the federal agency responsible for international tourism marketing and is led by Dr. Awakan, who was appointed Director-General on 2 September 2025. Nigeria’s renewed presence at WTM London, held from 3 to 5 November at ExCeL London, was described as a significant step in restoring the country’s visibility and engagement with the global tourism market.
The 2026 edition of WTM London attracted over 12,000 approved buyers and 4,000 media, with Egypt as Premier Partner. Nigeria’s participation was coordinated by the NTDA, supported by NANTA and private sector partners. NANTA President Dr. Yinka Folami highlighted the importance of the event for showcasing Nigeria’s tourism assets, promoting key destinations, and building new partnerships. The association was the only industry group with a dedicated presence at the NTDA stand. Elizabeth Agbola, CEO of NTT Global Destinations, was recognised for her role in facilitating Nigeria’s return to the exhibition, demonstrating the value of public–private collaboration in advancing tourism interests.
For leisure, business, group and diaspora travellers, Nigeria’s renewed engagement at WTM London may help attract more international operators and increase awareness of the country’s tourism products. The move comes as Nigerian outbound travel spending reached \$7.7 billion, with strong demand for both inbound and outbound services. Agencies should note that UK Standard Visitor visas remain required for Nigerian passport holders, with a fee of £115 for up to six months. Lagos–London connectivity is served by Air Peace, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and from December 2026, Enugu Air to Gatwick, offering multiple options for clients.
NANTA called for sustained Nigerian participation at major international tourism exhibitions, including FITUR Madrid, ITB Berlin, Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, and WTM London. The association urged other industry stakeholders—such as FTAN, NATOP, ATPN, hoteliers, airlines, and state tourism boards—to support government efforts and focus on developing and marketing Nigeria’s tourism products. NANTA stressed that visibility at global events is essential for business growth and that collaboration between the public and private sectors is needed for sustainable tourism development. The association also thanked its members, board, and diaspora supporters for their contributions to Nigeria’s presence at WTM London 2026.
Open questions remain about future funding, the scale of Nigeria’s stands, and the consistency of participation at international events. There is no official data on the impact of WTM London 2026 on bookings or trade partnerships. Agencies should monitor for updates from the NTDA and NANTA on upcoming exhibitions, new tourism products, and opportunities for collaboration. The outlook is positive for Nigeria’s international tourism profile, but the trade should continue to advocate for strong, unified representation at global events to maximise business opportunities.
Sources: NTDA, background, November 2026; NTDA Act 2022, background, November 2026; NTDA, DG profile, November 2026; WTM London, event info, November 2026; UK government, visitor visa, Ned by editor.
