Nigeria to Stop Foreign Airlines from Selling Tickets in Dollars – NANTA President

The Federal Government is set to end the sale of flight tickets in dollars by foreign airlines operating in Nigeria, according to the President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), Yinka Folami.

Speaking during a cultural and tourism programme in Lagos over the weekend, Folami described the practice of selling tickets in foreign currency as “a crime against the economy,” noting that the government is already working to address the issue.

“Those of us in the aviation space understand that until we have a strong Nigerian carrier to stand in the gap, these issues will persist,” Folami said. “I am happy to inform Nigerians that the government is squarely addressing the issue of ticket sales in foreign currency, and that is the latest update on the matter.”

The NANTA president argued that the sale of tickets in dollars violates Nigeria’s economic principles and exerts unnecessary pressure on the naira and foreign exchange markets.

He added that the Federal Government’s current intervention followed persistent complaints from travel agencies over the negative impact of the practice on the local travel industry.

According to Folami, the policy change will bring relief to Nigerian travellers and travel agents, describing dollar-denominated ticketing as “an outdated system that will soon fade out in Nigeria’s aviation sector.”

He further emphasized the importance of strengthening local airline operations, urging Nigerians to support Air Peace for its efforts in launching direct flight routes to London from Lagos and Abuja.

“It is our patriotic responsibility to support and pray for the success of Air Peace. The airline has taken the bull by the horns, and its sustainability will help stabilize Nigeria’s aviation market,” he added.