The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) has strongly condemned the decision of three international airlines to continue selling tickets exclusively in U.S. dollars in Nigeria. The association described the practice as disrespectful to Nigeria’s sovereignty and harmful to the value of the naira.
Speaking with The PUNCH, NANTA President, Yinka Folami, criticised what he considered an arrogant stance by a few foreign carriers that have refused to reintroduce the naira into their ticketing platforms, despite improvements in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market.
According to him, while most of the aviation industry now operates with the local currency, a few airlines have chosen to sideline it. “It is no longer a general industry problem. Only about three airlines are still selling exclusively in dollars. We are not allowed to name these airlines due to professional ethics and anti-competition regulations, but their actions are clear: they are punishing the naira, excluding it from trade within its own country,” Folami said.
He further explained that his concern was not only professional but also patriotic, stressing that dollarisation of services in Nigeria is a direct challenge to national sovereignty.
Mr. Yinka Folami, the President of National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA)
Folami also noted that the refusal to accept naira comes at a time when the local currency is gradually stabilising due to recent monetary reforms. “There is no justifiable reason for this anymore; liquidity has improved, the process is more transparent, and there are no outstanding remittance issues. Over 30 airlines are currently repatriating funds without challenges. If those ones can comply, why are these three still operating otherwise? It’s simply arrogance,” he said.
While commending the Central Bank of Nigeria and other authorities for strengthening transparency in the forex market, Folami called on all stakeholders to support the federal government’s economic recovery plan. “We are not asking for favors, we are asking for fairness. The naira deserves to be respected in its own country,” he added.
Aviation expert, Group Captain John Ojikutu (retd.), also expressed concern that the matter may be tied to unsettled airline funds. “I am not sure if they have gotten their money. But if they have, the government should stop them immediately. I think this is happening because some people may be benefiting from it internally. That cannot stand if we are no longer owing them. It is wrong and must be corrected without delay,” Ojikutu said.
He acknowledged that airlines sometimes pay certain charges in dollars, which could influence their preference, but insisted that Nigeria must assert its authority as a sovereign nation. “If a foreign airline continues to take dollars for ticket sales, it should be stopped and investigated,” he added.
NANTA’s position, together with the concerns of aviation experts, reflects growing frustration within Nigeria’s travel and aviation community. Stakeholders argue that the continued rejection of the naira by a few airlines undermines not only the economy but also the nation’s independence.
With more than 30 airlines already conducting business in naira, the spotlight now falls on the few remaining carriers whose refusal, according to industry voices, risks undoing progress made in strengthening the naira and restoring investor confidence.
Source: Punchng
