By Chinelo Obogo
President, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Yinka Folami, has issued a warning against cross-border trading, saying it is harming Nigeria’s travel industry and is the single most damaging issue.
Speaking on Mainland FM 98.3’s Creative Naija program recently, Folami said cross-border trading causes capital flight, job losses, and an erosion of the local market. He then commended British Airways for implementing changes which prioritises Point of Commencement (POC), calling such actions crucial to curbing this abuse.
The NANTA President also spoke against foreign airlines selling tickets exclusively in US dollars, saying such practice is a direct affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty. He argued that this policy excludes over 70% of licensed Nigerian agents and actively undermines the Naira. Folami stated that with improvements in remittance issues and FX stability, the justification for selling tickets in dollars is invalid.
Addressing the issue is visa racketeering, Folami urged Nigerians to avoid those promising guaranteed visas, saying that visa issuance falls outside the purview of legitimate travel agents. He said NANTA members are ethical and offer only advisory services. Folami welcomed investigation into visa racketeering, stating they are vital to protect Nigeria’s international image. He also stated that NANTA has launched a member verification portal, issued unique ID cards and is working towards setting up a training institute.
On the issue of frequent domestic flight cancellations and delays, Folami said it’s a shared responsibility among government agencies and airlines but stressed that no airline benefits from disruptions.
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