Gender equality and inclusivity have, over the years, evolved from being peripheral concerns to central pillars in political, corporate, and institutional discourse. As the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) approaches its 50th anniversary in April, these themes are expected to feature prominently, particularly in its forthcoming internal executive elections.
Historically, female representation at the highest level of the association has been limited. Records indicate that only two women, Theresa OJO ( Ezeobi) and Susan Akporiaye, have served as National President. Despite the association’s long-standing legacy, its leadership marked significant milestones, breaking longstanding gender barriers within the national body.
As NANTA reflects on five decades of growth since its establishment in 1973, the inclusion of women in key decision-making roles is no longer merely aspirational; it is imperative. True inclusivity will not only strengthen institutional governance but also mirror the association’s substantial achievements and evolving identity within Nigeria’s travel and tourism sector.
Notably, in the past two decades of NANTA’s progress, one figure has stood out for her sustained contributions and strategic influence. Chinyere Umeasiegbu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Global Links, has played a pivotal role in shaping the association’s trajectory.
As the first female National Deputy President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), Chinyere Umeasiegbu embodies a new leadership paradigm defined by innovation, resilience, and measurable impact. Widely acknowledged as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s tourism landscape, she brings more than two decades of industry experience to bear, merging corporate expertise with her vocation as a preacher to deliver a multidimensional approach to leadership, service, and community engagement. As NANTA marks its golden jubilee, the discourse on gender inclusion appears set to transition from rhetoric to tangible institutional reform.
Speaking at a recent press conference, Umeasiegbu emphasized the non-political nature of NANTA, describing it as a professional body dedicated to advancing the interests of practitioners within the travel, hospitality, and tourism sectors. Reflecting on her early exposure to the industry, she traced her roots to childhood experiences shaped by her mother’s deep involvement in travel.
She said, “My foray into the industry began at a young age,” she said. “My mother was actively engaged in travel and often took us along. At the time, I did not realize she was the first secretary at the inaugural meeting of NATA, owing to our close family ties with Jerry Nwosu.”
A Chevrolet Scholar and graduate of the University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Umeasiegbu was selected on merit to represent Nigeria in an academic programme in the United Kingdom. Initially trained as a banker, she later transitioned into the capital market, where she built a successful career as a stockbroker.
She recounted her professional evolution, noting that she founded Global Links after her tenure in the banking sector. The company has since grown into a notable travel and tourism enterprise. Her journey through the capital market, she explained, was marked by rapid growth and the establishment of a strong client portfolio, including affiliations within the Shell community.
“At the peak of my career in the capital market, I received a clear directive to step away,” she recalled. “Despite the market boom and the scale of my client portfolio, I chose to divest and hand over my accounts. That decision, though difficult, ultimately proved pivotal.”
Umeasiegbu later found her niche in tour packaging, beginning with participation in the Federal Government-sponsored pilgrimage programme through the Lagos office. Her subsequent move to the Eastern Zone marked a turning point, as she rose from a support role to becoming a key executive within NANTA.
Her tenure in the Eastern Zone is widely credited with revitalizing what was once considered a dormant arm of the association. Under her leadership, the zone transformed into one of the most active and innovative within NANTA, setting new benchmarks for engagement and performance.
Building on this momentum, Umeasiegbu advanced to national leadership. In 2022, under her influence as Eastern Zone Vice President, NANTA facilitated Nigeria’s return to the World Travel Market (WTM) in London after an eight-year absence, an achievement that restored the country’s visibility on the global tourism stage. The participation earned international recognition, including a feature by the BBC in its special WTM coverage.
Although Nigeria’s presence at WTM in 2023 fell short of expectations, with only the Lagos State Government participating alongside NANTA, the groundwork laid in the previous year underscored the association’s capacity to drive international engagement.
Beyond global representation, Umeasiegbu has championed initiatives aimed at enhancing the economic value of NANTA membership. She introduced capacity-building programmes focused on visa processing and international market participation, equipping members with practical tools to expand their businesses. Her advocacy for global exposure and local tourism promotion has also been linked to the growing momentum of initiatives such as “Dirty December,” which highlights Nigeria’s vibrant end-of-year tourism potential. IN 2024, NANTA handed over WTM to Nigeria, and unfortunately, Nigeria didn’t show up.
Chinyere Umeasiegbu further disclosed that her sustained advocacy has facilitated new cross-border business opportunities, particularly strengthening tourism and travel ties between Nigeria and The Gambia. She highlighted an emerging partnership involving a Nigerian transportation company that is set to operate road travel routes connecting Nigeria to Dakar, positioning the corridor as a strategic link for regional mobility and tourism growth.
She also made a case for expanded leadership responsibility within the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), expressing her readiness to consolidate on existing innovations and drive forward new initiatives aimed at deepening the development of Nigeria’s tourism sector.
Among such initiatives is a forward-looking concept she described as “Space Tourism”, a programme designed to introduce young Nigerians, particularly at the secondary and tertiary levels, to the intersection of space science and tourism. The initiative seeks to stimulate interest in space exploration while broadening the scope of Nigeria’s tourism narrative through education and experiential learning.
Umeasiegbu, however, noted a critical gap in infrastructure, pointing out that Nigeria currently lacks a fully functional space centre capable of supporting such ambitions, an observation she framed as both a challenge and an opportunity for future investment and policy direction.