The Federal Government is set to end the sale of flight tickets in dollars by foreign airlines, according to the President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), Yinka Folami.
Speaking on a cultural and tourism program in Lagos over the weekend, Folami described the practice of selling tickets in foreign currency as “an economic crime” that undermines the naira.
“Those of us in the aviation industry know that until we have a strong Nigerian carrier to fill the gap, these challenges will continue. I’m pleased to inform Nigerians that the government is now taking firm steps to stop the sale of flight tickets in foreign currency. That’s the latest update on the issue,” he said.
Folami explained that the practice violates local regulations and exerts unnecessary pressure on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves. He added that the government’s intervention follows persistent complaints from travel agencies.
He emphasized that selling tickets in foreign currency is now obsolete and will soon be completely phased out in the country’s aviation sector.
Highlighting the importance of supporting local carriers, Folami urged Nigerians to patronize Air Peace, commending the airline for boldly launching its Lagos and Abuja to London routes.
According to him, “Supporting Air Peace is a patriotic duty. Every Nigerian should stand behind the airline to ensure its success and sustainability.”
