The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) has petitioned the federal government to investigate five travel agencies accused of engaging in cross-border ticket sales—a practice the association says undermines Nigeria's economy and violates industry regulations.
Speaking at the association's 49th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos on Wednesday, NANTA President Yinka Folami said Nigeria has lost 40% of its travel market to cross-border operators. He explained that these illicit sales occur when foreign-registered agents sell airline tickets meant for Nigerian travellers while remitting funds to foreign accounts, or when Nigerian agents collaborate with foreign counterparts in the scheme.
"Cross-border sales is a sin and a disrespect to our economy," Folami said. "The government has asked us to submit names, and we have five. They are currently under investigation for money laundering. We must stop this practice, and I urge Nigerians to stop patronising such agents."
Folami noted that tickets sold through these illegal channels are often priced lower than market rates, prompting NANTA to investigate how foreign agents obtain these discounted tickets for the Nigerian market.
To combat the issue, the association is pushing for stronger self-regulation, revisiting its constitution, and engaging with industry veterans for guidance. Folami also emphasized the importance of fair market practices, highlighting that airlines have reaffirmed their roles as partners—not competitors—to travel agencies.
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"We made airlines confirm they are our principals and should not be seen to be competing with us. The airlines have been responsive," he said.
At the AGM, NANTA announced several new initiatives, including the relaunch of its official ID cards, an upgraded website, and a new mobile app. The association also inaugurated a constitution review committee and a training committee to promote ethical practices and professional development across the sector.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Director of Special Duty at FAAN, Henry Agbebire, endorsed the AGM's theme: Collective Prosperity Through Market Protection. Keyamo reaffirmed the Ministry's support for policies that uphold fair competition and protect legitimate market participants.
In his keynote address, legal expert and Founding Partner of Pinheiro LP, Kemi Pinheiro, stressed the importance of professionalism and ethics in the travel industry. He called for a clear and enforceable constitution to guide member conduct, enhance trust, and improve industry credibility.
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