The Federal Government is set to end the sale of flight tickets in United States dollars by foreign airlines operating in Nigeria, according to the President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), Mr. Yinka Folami.
Speaking during a cultural and tourism programme in Lagos over the weekend, Mr. Folami described the continued sale of tickets in foreign currency as “a crime against the Nigerian economy”, adding that the practice violates the country’s monetary and foreign exchange regulations.
“Those of us in the aviation space understand that until we have a strong Nigerian carrier to stand in the gap, these issues will persist,” he said. “I am happy to inform Nigerians that the government is squarely addressing the issue of ticket sales in foreign currency. That is the latest update on the matter.”
The NANTA president argued that dollarisation of airfares puts unnecessary pressure on the naira and distorts the local foreign exchange market, warning that the practice contravenes financial regulations governing domestic transactions in Nigeria.
He stated that the Federal Government, through relevant ministries and regulatory agencies, had begun addressing the concerns raised by travel agencies and other aviation stakeholders.
“There is no justification for selling tickets in foreign currency within Nigeria,” Folami stressed. “It is an outdated practice that must be abolished for the sustainability of our economy and aviation industry.”
Mr. Folami also emphasised the need for Nigerians to rally behind indigenous carriers, particularly Air Peace, which recently commenced Lagos–London and Abuja–London routes.
“It is a patriotic duty to support Air Peace and ensure its success,” he said. “The airline took the bold step many others avoided. Its growth is vital to restoring balance in Nigeria’s aviation sector.”
Analysts note that selling tickets in dollars within Nigeria violates Section 20(5) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, which stipulates that the naira remains the only legal tender for domestic transactions.
The government’s move to enforce compliance is therefore expected to strengthen monetary sovereignty, reduce foreign exchange pressures, and align Nigeria’s aviation operations with international best practices.
For years, foreign airlines have sold flight tickets in dollars, citing challenges in repatriating revenue due to forex scarcity. The practice has been criticised by local travel agents and consumer rights advocates, who argue that it discriminates against Nigerian travellers and undermines the country’s economic stability.
The Federal Government’s intervention marks a significant policy step toward curbing dollarisation and promoting a fairer aviation marketplace.
