NANTA DEMANDS NAIRA TICKET SALES FROM FOREIGN AIRLINES

The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies has renewed its call for foreign airlines operating in Nigeria to stop selling tickets exclusively in US dollars and allow passengers to pay in naira.

NANTA President, Dr Yinka Folami, said the practice was unfair to local businesses and no longer justified, given the relative stability of the naira, improved foreign exchange liquidity and greater transparency in the remittance process.

According to Folami, more than 30 foreign airlines operate in and out of Nigeria, but only about three still restrict ticket sales to dollars. He said the arrangement particularly affects local travel agencies, with a large number of NANTA members unable to participate directly in transactions involving dollar sales.

NANTA also raised concerns over the practice of foreign airlines operating ticket sales offices in cities outside airports, arguing that this conflicts with Nigeria’s civil aviation regulations.

Folami commended airlines that have complied with the regulations by appointing Nigerian General Sales Agents or ending city sales operations.

He appealed to the remaining airlines and the Federal Government to address the issue and expand access to naira-based ticket sales for travel agencies operating in Nigeria.

NANTA said its position was aimed at strengthening the local travel industry and ensuring that businesses operating within Nigeria can participate fairly in the aviation market.