President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Mr. Yinka Folami, has raised critical concerns over the growing challenges facing Nigeria’s travel trade industry, during his appearance on Creative Naija, a current affairs programme aired on Mainland FM 98.3, Lagos, on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
Speaking passionately on key issues affecting travel and tourism in Nigeria, Folami described cross-border trade malpractice as “the greatest infidelity and a sin against the local market,” condemning international travel merchants who bypass licensed Nigerian agents to sell directly to consumers. He said the practice fuels capital flight, job losses, and weakens local industry control. Commending British Airways for prioritizing Point of Commencement (POC) in their systems, he said such reforms help checkmate abuse in international ticketing.
Addressing the contentious issue of foreign airlines demanding dollar-only payments for tickets, Folami called the policy “a direct affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty,” noting that it disenfranchises over 70% of licensed travel agents and undermines the national currency. While acknowledging the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) improved market transparency and reforms, he urged foreign carriers to accommodate the Naira, saying the economic rationale for USD-only ticketing is no longer valid.
On the issue of visa racketeering, the NANTA president advised the public to be wary of individuals who guarantee visas, warning that such promises are fraudulent. He explained that NANTA members are only licensed to offer advisory services and not involved in the visa approval process. Welcoming anti-corruption investigations into the matter, he stressed that NANTA is working to clean up the industry’s image by introducing digital member verification, issuing membership ID cards, and developing a full-fledged NANTA Training Institute.
Folami also addressed the frequent delays and cancellations plaguing domestic air travel, urging for collective responsibility among airlines, regulators, agents, and travelers. According to him, no airline benefits from disruptions, as they impact public trust and operational integrity.
He concluded by reaffirming NANTA’s commitment to professionalism, training, and partnership with government stakeholders. He also announced that the association is reviewing its constitution, expanding its training institute, and pursuing sustained reforms to strengthen the Nigerian travel trade ecosystem.
“Africa is the future, and Nigeria will drive it,” he declared confidently, underscoring NANTA’s strategic role in positioning Nigeria for leadership in the African travel and tourism market.