ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The President of the National Association of Travel Agents of Nigeria, Yinka Folami, has criticised some foreign airlines for showing disrespect to Nigeria by insisting on dollar-denominated ticket sales, warning that the practice undermines national sovereignty and weakens the naira.
Folami made the remarks during a press conference ahead of the association’s Annual General Meeting and golden jubilee celebrations, where he also addressed wider challenges affecting travel agents, including the ripple effects of the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.
Speaking strongly on the issue of foreign currency ticketing, he said it was unacceptable for airlines operating in Nigeria to ignore the use of the local currency.
“When we talk about dollar sales, it is not convenient for me, as the NANTA president, to look at my colleagues and friends in the airlines and say no. That alone is major and substantial; it doesn’t have to be about projects,” he said. “It is disrespectful that some airlines sell in dollars only in our country, a sovereign nation. Even if BASA allows it, what happens to us, to our naira? I strongly think it is disrespectful.”
His comments come amid growing concerns within the aviation and travel industry over rising international travel costs and the pressure on agents and passengers due to foreign exchange constraints.
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Beyond the currency issue, Folami highlighted the human impact of global crises on Nigerian travel agents, many of whom are dealing with reduced patronage and increasing refund obligations.
“This Israel-Iran war, we honestly don’t like it. Anytime there is this kind of disruption, we are the first to suffer it, and suffer it really,” he said. “That region is a major hub for Nigeria and takes 30–40 per cent of our traffic. We don’t like it, our members don’t like it, and it is affecting our business in no small measure.”
He added that refund demands from disrupted travel plans have placed significant financial strain on agents.
“I, personally, know the number of refunds that I have had to do, and when this happens, we refund in full, including commissions. So we don’t want it, and we can only pray for peace,” Folami lamented.
The NANTA president also outlined the association’s efforts to safeguard members’ interests through sustained advocacy and engagement with stakeholders.
“What I have kept saying is that what our administration has done and the executive council have been elaborately reported, but in summary, we have been very strong in advocacy, and you guys have helped us,” he said. “When we came in, we said we were going to sit on a three-legged tripod: protection of our market, protection of NANTA and fair play.”
He identified the campaign against cross-border ticket sales as a key achievement in reclaiming lost revenue for Nigerian agents.
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“I just spoke about cross-border trading, and you people have helped us. Cross-border trading is a sin, and it takes 50 per cent of our market, but today our market has regained its place,” he stated. “That was done not just by us, but our advocacy has forced the hands of industry stakeholders to make those corrections.”
Folami disclosed that the association engaged airlines and government authorities, including the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, leading to policy adjustments.
“We started from the airlines with direct messages to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and these corrections were effected,” he said.
As the association marks its golden jubilee, he emphasised that the pursuit of fairness, market protection, and respect for Nigeria’s economic sovereignty remains a top priority.
“We will continue to stand for what is right for our members and for the country,” he added, reaffirming the association’s commitment to reforms that will strengthen the travel industry and protect local operators.