Bernard who had sworn to rid the travel trade sector of fraudsters and recently launched an identity card scheme to drive full capture of licensed practitioners, noted such exposure and public disclosure of these fly-by-night travel agents will go a long way to deter the growth of fraudulent operators and will assist security agencies and NANTA to fish out the black legs.
“What happened to innocent Nigerian sport fans in Russia is just a tip of the iceberg as against the presence of real enemies within our system whom we intend to flush out and send them out of business and to EFCC for prosecution” he noted, adding “our identify card is one of the proactive measures to unmask these hoodlums giving us bad names within and outside our country that is why NANTA visited the presidency to seek support to our action plans to sanitise the sector.
Bernard however commended President Buhari for helping to evacuate the stranded Nigerians back home, a gesture which would rekindle the love of Nigeria in the heart of every Nigerian.
NANTA President also appreciated Lagos State government for also showing concern to the plight of those stranded in Russia, many whom the governor provided return tickets and welfare.
“Governor Ambode and his Commissioner for Tourism, Steve Ayorinde has again shown leadership and deep commitment to the welfare of Nigerians irrespective of tribe or tongue.” NANTA President explained, stressing that NANTA will work with Ambode to move Lagos tourism forward.”
Mr Garba Shehu, Presidential spokesman had fingered the plight of stranded Nigerians in Russia to the activities of unscrupulous travel agents in Nigeria who cancelled the return tickets of Nigerian world cup fans in Russia.