The Federal Government plans to stop international airlines from selling flight tickets in dollars.
NANTA president Yinka Folami said the move will protect the naira and strengthen Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The Federal Government is preparing to stop international airlines from selling flight tickets in foreign currency, according to Yinka Folami, President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA).
Speaking at a cultural and tourism event in Lagos over the weekend, Folami described the continued sale of tickets in dollars as “a crime against the economy.” He said the government has taken steps to address the issue, which has long been a concern for travel agencies and passengers.
“Those of us in the aviation sector know that until Nigeria has a strong national carrier to fill the gap, these issues will continue. I am pleased to inform Nigerians that the government is actively addressing the sale of tickets in foreign currency,” he stated.
Folami explained that the practice violates Nigerian financial regulations and places additional pressure on the naira and the nation’s foreign reserves. He stressed that selling tickets in dollars within Nigeria is no longer acceptable and will soon be phased out completely.
The NANTA president noted that the government’s latest intervention signals a renewed commitment to regulating the aviation market and protecting the country’s economic interests.
He also emphasized the need for Nigerians to support domestic airlines, particularly Air Peace, which recently launched direct flights to London from Lagos and Abuja.
“It is both a patriotic duty and a responsibility for Nigerians to support and pray for Air Peace’s continued success and sustainability,” he said, adding that a strong local carrier would help reduce dependence on foreign airlines and stabilize the aviation industry.
