The National President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies, Yinka Folami, has condemned cross-border ticket sales, labeling it both criminal and sinful.
Additionally, five travel agencies operating in various African countries are under government investigation for involvement in such practices.
At its 49th Annual General Meeting in Lagos, NANTA declared a strong stance against cross-border ticket trading, expressing concern over the significant impact on local agents. They revealed that local travel agents have lost 40% of their market share to cross-border traders.
Cross-border trading occurs when a foreign-registered travel agent sells tickets originating from Nigeria, with the funds from the transaction being held in another country. This typically happens when a passenger books a round-trip ticket, both to and from Nigeria.
Folami expressed frustration over the issue, revealing that foreign agents often collaborate with some local agents to engage in cross-border ticket sales. He added that NANTA has gained the support of the Federal Government to combat these illegal practices.
The NANTA president described cross-border trading as both a sin and a disrespect to Nigeria. He warned that any member found collaborating with foreign perpetrators would be delisted from the association.
Folami also mentioned that the government has requested a list of agents involved in cross-border trading, as part of efforts to tackle the issue.
He said, “Cross-border ticket sales are a sin and disrespectful to our economy. The government has asked us to present the names of the culprits. We have five names that have been mentioned. The country is investigating them for money laundering. We will stop it. We should also stop buying from them.”
Folami highlighted that cross-border traders often sell cheaper tickets, and NANTA is investigating how foreign agents are able to secure these low-cost tickets from the Nigerian market.
He emphasized the importance of the association uniting to create a strong constitution, practice self-regulation, and follow the guidance of NANTA founders in addressing the issue.
Folami shared that under his leadership, NANTA has demonstrated professionalism, respect, and expertise. He emphasized that the association has maintained its position in the market, distributing wealth fairly and engaging in effective self-regulation.
“We made airlines confirm to us that they are principals to us, and so the airlines should not be seen to be in competition with us. The airlines are very responsive to us. What we have done in the last six years is that we have set up committees, and a key committee is the constitution review committee. The training committee is also doing very well. We are relaunching the ID cards and website today. We are also launching our NANTA mobile app,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, stated that the theme for this year’s AGM, “Collective Prosperity Through Market Protection,” is both timely and relevant, especially as Nigeria faces the challenges of a rapidly evolving global travel landscape.
Keyamo, represented by the Director of Special Duty at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Henry Agbebire,
emphasized the need for regulation and shared responsibility to protect the integrity and sustainability of Nigeria’s travel and tourism sector.
“We recognise the role of travel agencies as critical partners in the air travel value chain and remain committed to creating an enabling environment for your operations to thrive,” he added.
