The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies has raised concerns about cross-border ticket sales, where foreign-based travel agencies sell flight tickets for routes originating from Nigerian at lower prices, undermining local agents.

NANTA President Yinka Folami emphasized that this practice negatively affects Nigerian travel agencies, reducing their market share and revenue.

He urged the Federal Government to intervene by regulating the sale of tickets for routes originating in Nigeria to ensure a level playing field.

“It is not fair to the Nigerian market. It is called cross-border trading, and we are already talking to the government about it. We have a situation where a Lagos-London ticket is cheaper to buy in Asia,” Folami said.

He explained, “For example, it is cheaper to buy in Asia than in Nigeria. If you can be a travel agency in Asia, why can’t you be a Nigerian travel agency, particularly when you travel from Nigeria? That is what we are saying. It is called cross-border trading, and it is bad for the market.”

Folami expressed concern over the impact of foreign travel agencies on Nigeria’s domestic travel industry, stating,“This practice is harming our local market. Foreign agencies are being allowed to offer cheaper rates, which puts Nigerian operators at a disadvantage. It’s unfair, and we’re calling on the government to take action and address the issue.”

The association has been engaging the government on the matter for some time.

“We are talking to the government about it. We have been talking about it. It was a major talk in April, and we are still on it. We are talking to the government about it,” Folami added.