Airlines Face Backlash for Rejecting Naira Payments

The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) has expressed outrage over three international airlines that insist on selling tickets exclusively in United States dollars in Nigeria. NANTA President, Yinka Folarin, described the practice as “disrespectful to the country’s sovereignty” and damaging to the naira.

Three international airlines are selling tickets exclusively in dollars, despite improvements in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market.
The association sees this as a test of Nigeria’s sovereignty and a direct challenge to the naira’s value.
Over 30 airlines are currently repatriating funds without challenges and conducting business in naira.

The refusal to accept naira undermines efforts to stabilize the economy and shows a lack of respect for the local currency. Folarin emphasized that there is no justifiable reason for this practice, given the improved liquidity and transparency in the foreign exchange market.

NANTA has called on all stakeholders in the aviation sector to align with the federal government’s economic recovery agenda. The association insists that the naira deserves to be respected in its own country. Aviation experts also argue that if the government has settled outstanding remittances owed to these airlines, there is no justification for dollar-only ticketing in Nigeria.

The continued rejection of the naira by some airlines is not just a commercial issue but one that undermines the nation’s economic stability and independence. As the Federal Government intensifies efforts to strengthen the currency and rebuild investor confidence, industry players argue that all airlines operating in Nigeria must comply with local regulations and treat the naira with the respect it deserves.