In a major effort to improve tourism and business travel between Nigeria and Turkey, key travel associations from both nations have agreed to work together in urging their respective governments to ease current visa restrictions.
The meeting, held in Istanbul, brought together representatives from the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) and the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB)—marking their first formal collaboration. The gathering was facilitated by Turkish Airlines, the official partner airline for the upcoming NANTA anniversary event.
According to a joint statement from NANTA, both sides stressed that current visa policies are stifling tourism and economic exchange. They proposed that travelers with valid visas from trusted countries—including the United Kingdom, Schengen zone, Canada, and the United States—should be granted more flexible entry into both Nigeria and Turkey.
Turkish travel stakeholders voiced concerns about the declining number of Nigerian tourists visiting Turkey, attributing it primarily to strict visa processes. To address this, they requested that NANTA help by verifying and endorsing credible Nigerian travelers, a move aimed at minimizing visa overstay risks.
Leading the Nigerian delegation, NANTA President Yinka Folami commended the warm reception extended by Turkish colleagues and invited TURSAB to participate in NANTA’s 50th anniversary celebration set for 2026 in Nigeria.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will solidify their partnership. The agreement will focus on:
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Bilateral tourism exchange programs
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Capacity building through joint training initiatives
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A unified voice on international travel policies
Both associations pledged to collaborate on expanding tourism revenues and strengthening bilateral relations through cultural engagement and increased mobility.
Representatives of Turkish Airlines, who were present at the meeting, described the partnership as a significant move toward unlocking greater trade and tourism opportunities between the two countries.
