Oyo State plans to sanitise its travel and tour sector, focusing on unregistered operators. Registration drive starts March 24, 2024

The Oyo State government has announced plans to sanitise the state’s travel and tour sector by targeting unregistered travel agencies and allied tour operators.

The initiative, aimed at ensuring better service delivery and compliance with relevant regulations, was disclosed by the state’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, during a press conference on Monday in Ibadan, the state capital.

The event, organised in partnership with the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), sought to sensitise and raise awareness among operators about the government’s intentions to regulate the sector more effectively.

Olatunbosun stated, “The objective of the exercise is to inform the operators of travel and tour agencies, concerned stakeholders, and the general public about the government’s plans to sanitise the sector through registration of all travel and tour operators in the state.”

The commissioner highlighted the challenges posed by unlicensed operators, stating that many travel and tour agencies operating without the required licences fail to comply with industry laws.

These unregulated operators have been causing significant hardship for the public, with many clients experiencing subpar services. “Most of the tour and travel operators operating without licences fail to comply with the relevant laws and regulations that guide the industry and have caused untold hardship to members of the public as a result of the low standard of service,” he added.

As part of the sanitisation process, Olatunbosun explained that the registration of all travel and tour operators would enable the state government to create a comprehensive database.

This would allow for effective monitoring, evaluation, and regulation of agencies operating within the state, ensuring public safety and improving the quality of services provided.

The sensitisation campaign is set to begin on March 24, 2024, and will run for one month. During this period, operators will be encouraged to register and comply with the necessary regulations.

After the awareness phase, the government will implement enforcement measures, including sanctions against unregistered agencies that fail to meet the required standards.

PEBEC’s Director General, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, reassures foreign investors that concerns over the cancellation of Nigeria’s Visa-On-Arrival (VOA) policy will be addressed, with efforts underway to balance security and investment interests

The Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, has assured foreign investors that the Nigerian government is working to address concerns raised by the recent decision to discontinue the Visa-On-Arrival (VOA) policy.

Also read: Nigerian visa issues resolved for Akwaaba African travel market delegates

The announcement to phase out the VOA policy was made over the weekend by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who described the policy as “unsustainable” and a potential security risk.

The decision has sparked apprehension among current and prospective investors who have relied on the VOA option, especially those from countries without Nigerian embassies or missions.

In a statement released on Monday, Princess Audu acknowledged these concerns and assured the international community that PEBEC is actively engaging with the Ministry of Interior to find a balanced and effective solution.

**“We understand the anxiety this has caused among the foreign community and would like to assure all stakeholders that PEBEC is actively engaging with the Minister of Interior to find a solution,”** she stated.

Princess Audu emphasized that the VOA policy has played a vital role in promoting tourism, trade, and foreign investment in Nigeria.

She expressed optimism that through dialogue and collaboration, the security issues raised could be resolved without compromising the ease of doing business in the country.

**“Our primary objective is to strengthen security around the VOA process while maintaining the policy, which has been instrumental in promoting tourism, trade, and investment in Nigeria.

We believe that with collaboration and dialogue, we can address the security issues identified and achieve a secured and efficient VOA process that benefits all parties involved,”** she added.

PEBEC, known for driving reforms aimed at improving Nigeria’s business environment, reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the country remains an attractive destination for investors and tourists.

The council has been at the forefront of simplifying business procedures and reducing bottlenecks, making it easier for businesses to thrive in Nigeria.

The Minister of Interior had announced plans to replace the VOA policy with a system of landing and exit cards, which visitors would be required to pre-fill before arriving in or departing from Nigeria.

However, PEBEC’s intervention suggests that a more collaborative approach is being considered to balance security and investor-friendly policies.

Emirates and Air Peace have signed an interline agreement to enhance travel connectivity across Nigeria and the UAE, offering seamless ticketing and baggage transfers

The **United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based Emirates airline** has partnered with **Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace**, through a new **interline agreement** aimed at enhancing travel connectivity between the two nations.

This strategic alliance will enable **seamless single-ticket travel** and **simplified baggage transfers**, providing passengers with expanded access to destinations across Nigeria and beyond.

The partnership **expands Emirates’ reach** to **13 additional cities in Nigeria**, allowing passengers traveling from **Dubai to Lagos** to easily continue their journey to:

– **Southern Nigeria:** Asaba, Akure, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Owerri
– **Northern & Central Nigeria:** Ilorin, Kaduna, Kano, Abuja
– **South-South Nigeria:** Uyo, Port Harcourt, Warri

This expansion is expected to benefit **corporate travelers, tourists, and Nigerians visiting family**, offering greater flexibility and convenience.

Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer for **Emirates, Adnan Kazim**, described the agreement as a significant milestone in strengthening the **aviation, tourism, and trade relationship** between **Nigeria and the UAE**.

*“Emirates is a steadfast partner of Nigeria’s tourism, trade, and aviation sectors. This partnership with Air Peace bolsters our connectivity and introduces more travel options for corporate and leisure travelers, as well as those visiting friends and family to and from Nigeria. We look forward to deepening our strategic partnership with Air Peace in the future to enhance benefits for our mutual customers.”*

Chief Operating Officer of **Air Peace, Mrs Oluwatoyin Olamide**, expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting its potential to improve connectivity for Nigerian travelers.

*“This strategic partnership aligns with our mission to provide seamless, world-class travel experiences while expanding our route network.By improving ease of travel, we are boosting business, tourism, and trade opportunities, further strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and the UAE.”*

She also noted that the agreement reinforces **Nigeria’s aviation sector**, positioning the country as a critical hub for both **regional and global travel**.

Emirates will operate the **Dubai-Lagos route** using its **Boeing 777-300ER**, known for **luxurious in-flight experiences**, while **Air Peace** will offer seamless domestic and international connections with its diverse fleet, including **Airbus 320s, Boeing 737s, Boeing 777s, Dornier 328-300 Jets, Embraer 145s, and Embraer 195-E2s**.

This **interline agreement between Emirates and Air Peace** represents a **significant step forward** in **Nigeria’s aviation industry**, offering improved accessibility, **enhanced trade opportunities**, and **greater travel convenience** for passengers flying between **Nigeria and the UAE**.