Nigerian Government Set to Stop Foreign Airlines from Selling Tickets in U.S. Dollars

Government vows to halt foreign currency transactions in aviation sector as NANTA calls dollar sales “a crime against the economy.”

The Federal Government has revealed plans to permanently end the sale of flight tickets in U.S. dollars by foreign airlines operating in Nigeria.

This development was confirmed by the President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), Yinka Folami, during a cultural and tourism event held in Lagos.

Folami emphasized that selling flight tickets in foreign currency constitutes “a crime against the economy,” stressing that such cross-border trading practices violate Nigeria’s monetary regulations and put unnecessary pressure on the naira and the nation’s foreign exchange reserves.

According to him, the government has already begun addressing the issue following persistent complaints from travel agencies across the country. He noted that authorities are working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance and restore order in the aviation industry.

Folami further explained that the era of selling tickets in dollars in Nigeria is coming to an end, describing the practice as outdated and economically damaging.

“There is absolutely no justification for foreign airlines to sell tickets in foreign currency in Nigeria. The system is outdated and will soon fade out as the government takes decisive action,” he said.

The move is part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to stabilize the naira, strengthen domestic financial operations, and promote fair competition within Nigeria’s aviation sector.

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