Firm vows to end Nigerian travellers’ woes

From Idu Jude, Abuja

An indigenous travel company, Kiakiago Travels, has pledged to reposition Nigeria’s travel and logistics experience, promising relief for Nigerian travellers who it says have long suffered inefficiencies and poor service from foreign handlers in the aviation and travel ecosystem.

The company said the time had come for Nigerian-owned operators to take a stronger lead in global travel facilitation, arguing that citizens deserve smoother, more reliable, and culturally attuned services that reflect Nigeria’s growing influence in international mobility and tourism.

Speaking at the unveiling of its new brand ambassador in Abuja, the Managing Director of Kiakiago Travels, Mr. Abiola Bakare, said Nigerian travellers have too often been exposed to avoidable frustrations ranging from poor coordination, delayed support services, and inconsistent travel documentation handling by external agents.

He said Kiakiago Travels was determined to change that narrative by building a homegrown system that combines technology, trust, and customer-centric solutions.

“We believe Nigerians should no longer be treated as secondary participants in global travel systems,” Bakare said. “This is about ownership, dignity, and efficiency. Indigenous companies must begin to play at the highest level of the travel and logistics industry.”

At the event, Kiakiago Travels officially unveiled music and film icon Abdulwaheed Bello, popularly known as JJC Skillz, as its brand ambassador, describing the partnership as a fusion of travel innovation and cultural storytelling.

Bakare explained that the collaboration reflects the company’s broader vision of merging commerce, creativity, and cultural identity to redefine how Nigerians perceive travel—not just as movement, but as access to opportunity and global connection.

According to him, Kiakiago Travels is a registered Nigerian travel company (RC 1638134) offering services including flight bookings, curated holiday packages, hotel reservations, visa processing, travel insurance, and corporate travel solutions through both online and physical offices in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano.

He added that the company operates a dual digital structure—Business-to-Consumer (B2C) and Business-to-Business (B2B) platforms—designed to serve both individual travellers and corporate or agency partners.

The B2C platform, he said, allows direct access for customers to book flights, hotels, tours, insurance, and visa services, while the B2B arm provides bulk booking systems, negotiated fares, and dedicated account management for travel agencies and institutions.

Bakare noted that Kiakiago’s growth strategy is anchored on accessibility, affordability, and innovation, with a strong emphasis on delivering seamless digital experiences that reduce friction in travel planning.

“Travel is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity for education, business, tourism, and personal development,” he said. “Our goal is to make it stress-free, reliable, and proudly Nigerian in execution.”

The newly appointed brand ambassador, JJC Skillz, brings over two decades of experience across music, film, and cultural production. Born in Kano and raised between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, he is widely recognised for pioneering the Afropean sound and leading the JJC & The 419 Squad.

He later expanded into film and television, co-creating the hit series Industreet, directing episodes of Jenifa’s Diary, and co-directing Omo Ghetto: The Saga. His accolades include the KORA Awards for Best African Group and the Nigeria Entertainment Awards for Best International Artist.

Describing the partnership as a natural fit, Kiakiago Travels said JJC Skillz embodies movement, cultural exchange, and global Nigerian identity—values the company hopes to project to a wider audience.

“Travel is more than movement from one destination to another,” Bakare said. “It is connection, opportunity, culture, and experience. JJC Skillz represents global relevance and Nigerian excellence in a way that aligns with our vision.”

Under the partnership, Kiakiago Travels and JJC Skillz will collaborate on digital campaigns, cultural activations, brand storytelling, and travel-themed initiatives aimed at inspiring Nigerians to explore international destinations with greater confidence.

Bakare added that the collaboration also reflects a broader ambition to position travel as an accessible experience for Nigerians across different income levels, rather than an elite privilege.

In his remarks, JJC Skillz said the partnership represents a call to strengthen Nigeria’s global cultural presence while ensuring smoother travel experiences for citizens abroad.

He stressed the importance of projecting Nigerian identity positively, adding that travel and culture are deeply interconnected in shaping global perception.

“This is about representation and responsibility,” he said. “We must continue to show the world the richness of Nigerian culture while also ensuring Nigerians are supported wherever they go.”

The partnership signals Kiakiago Travels’ deeper push into lifestyle branding, digital innovation, and cultural influence as it seeks to redefine the country’s modern travel industry.