The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) says the Federal Government is taking concrete steps to stop foreign airlines from selling flight tickets in dollars — a practice that puts pressure on the naira and violates local aviation rules
The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to end the long-standing practice of foreign airlines selling flight tickets in United States dollars, according to the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA).
Speaking during a cultural and tourism programme held in Lagos over the weekend, NANTA President, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye Folami, said that the “dollarisation” of air ticket sales in Nigeria will soon become history as the government intensifies efforts to stabilize the aviation market and protect the naira.
Folami described the sale of tickets in foreign currency as an “outdated and exploitative practice” that undermines Nigeria’s economy and puts unnecessary strain on travelers. She emphasized that the federal government is already working closely with relevant aviation stakeholders to ensure compliance with national financial regulations.
“There is no reason for any airline to sell flight tickets in foreign currency within Nigeria,” Folami said. “The government is addressing the issue, and we believe that soon, this will become a thing of the past.”
The NANTA president further urged Nigerians to support Air Peace, which has shown remarkable patriotism by launching direct Lagos–London and Abuja–London routes, positioning itself as Nigeria’s flag carrier in the international market.
According to her, having a strong indigenous airline is essential for balancing market forces and reducing dependence on foreign carriers.
“Cross-border trading in foreign currency within our aviation sector is a crime against the economy,” she added. “Until we have a strong Nigerian carrier standing in the gap, these issues will persist. I’m glad to inform Nigerians that the government is squarely addressing this matter.”
The move to halt dollar-based ticketing is expected to bring relief to travel agencies and air passengers, strengthen the naira, and promote fair business practices within Nigeria’s aviation industry.
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