NANTA Slams Airlines for Dollar-Only Ticket Sales, Calls Move ‘Disrespectful to Nigeria’s Sovereignty’

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The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) has criticised three international airlines for insisting on selling tickets exclusively in United States dollars, describing the practice as a direct affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty and an attack on the naira.

Speaking in an interview with Emmynet24 News Media, NANTA President Yinka Folarin said the move was “arrogant” and unjustifiable, especially given recent improvements in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market.

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‘Punishing the Naira’

Folarin explained that while most carriers have returned to ticket sales in naira, a handful continue to resist.

“It is no longer a general industry problem. Only about three airlines are still selling exclusively in dollars. We are not allowed to name these airlines due to professional ethics and anti-competition regulations, but their actions are clear: they are punishing the naira, excluding it from trade within its own country,” he said.

He stressed that the continued refusal to accept naira undermines ongoing government efforts to stabilise the currency.

“There is no justifiable reason for this anymore; liquidity has improved, the process is more transparent, and there are no outstanding remittance issues. Over 30 airlines are currently repatriating funds without challenges. If those ones can comply, why are these three still operating otherwise? It’s simply arrogance,” he added.

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Sovereignty and Economic Stability

Folarin argued that the dollarisation of air travel services in Nigeria is not just an industry concern but a matter of national interest.

“The naira deserves to be respected in its own country. We are not asking for favors; we are asking for fairness,” he insisted.

He commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for reforms that have improved transparency in the foreign exchange market and urged all aviation stakeholders to align with the government’s economic recovery agenda.

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Experts Weigh In

Aviation analyst Group Captain John Ojikutu (retd.) suggested that the controversy might be tied to unresolved issues around trapped airline funds.

“I am not sure if they have gotten their money. But if they have, the government should stop them immediately. This is happening because some people may be benefiting from it internally. That cannot stand if we are no longer owing them. It is wrong and must be corrected without delay,” Ojikutu said.

He acknowledged that airlines often pay service charges in dollars, which may influence their preference, but stressed that Nigeria must not allow foreign carriers to undermine its sovereignty.

“If a foreign airline continues to take dollars for ticket sales, it should be stopped and investigated,” he warned.

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Bigger Picture

Stakeholders fear that the continued rejection of the naira by a few airlines could erode progress in restoring investor confidence and strengthening Nigeria’s financial credibility. With more than 30 airlines already transacting in naira, industry watchers say pressure is mounting on the remaining holdouts to comply.

For NANTA and other industry voices, the issue is bigger than airfares — it touches on economic independence, currency stability, and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.