The President of the National Association of Travel Agents of Nigeria, Yinka Folami, has criticised some foreign airlines for insisting on dollar-denominated ticket sales, describing the move as “disrespectful” to Nigeria.

He warned that the practice erodes national sovereignty and puts additional pressure on the naira.

Folami spoke at a press conference ahead of the association’s Annual General Meeting and golden jubilee celebrations, where he also highlighted wider challenges confronting travel agents, including the spillover effects of the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.

Speaking strongly on the matter of foreign currency ticketing, Folami said it was unacceptable for airlines to do business in Nigeria while failing to recognise and transact in the country’s local currency.

“When we talk about dollar sales, it is not convenient for me, as the NANTA president, to look at my colleagues and friends in the airlines and say no. That alone is major and substantial; it doesn’t have to be about projects,” he said. “It is disrespectful that some airlines sell in dollars only in our country, a sovereign nation. Even if BASA allows it, what happens to us, to our naira? I strongly think it is disrespectful.”

His comments come at a time of mounting concern within the aviation and travel industry over rising international airfares and the strain foreign exchange shortages are placing on both agents and passengers.

Beyond the currency dispute, Folami also highlighted the human impact of global crises on Nigerian travel agents, many of whom are facing dwindling patronage and growing refund obligations.

“This Israel-Iran war, we honestly don’t like it. Anytime there is this kind of disruption, we are the first to suffer it, and suffer it really,” he said. “That region is a major hub for Nigeria and takes 30–40 per cent of our traffic. We don’t like it, our members don’t like it, and it is affecting our business in no small measure.”

He added that the financial pressure on travel agents has been especially intense, as widespread travel disruptions have led to a surge in refund demands.

“I, personally, know the number of refunds that I have had to do, and when this happens, we refund in full, including commissions. So we don’t want it, and we can only pray for peace,” Folami lamented.

Folami revealed that the association held discussions with airlines and relevant government authorities to resolve the matter, a move that ultimately resulted in policy adjustments.

“We started from the airlines with direct messages to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and these corrections were effected,” he said.

As the association celebrates its golden jubilee, Folami emphasised that advocating for fairness, safeguarding the market, and defending Nigeria’s economic sovereignty remain central to its mission.