Nigeria’s aviation industry is undergoing a major policy change as travel agents have been directed to make all ticketing payments in naira instead of U.S. dollars. The directive, backed by the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) and aligned with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) currency policy, is aimed at stabilising the sector and ensuring transparency in air travel transactions.

According to NANTA, the use of dollars for airline ticket sales has sidelined nearly 70 percent of licensed travel agents, limiting their ability to do business with foreign carriers. The association’s president, Yinka Folami, said the time has come for airlines operating in Nigeria to adopt naira-based payments, given the improving stability of the local currency.

He explained that continued dollar transactions have created unnecessary financial pressure on travel agencies and customers. “The aviation industry must align with Nigerian law. Tickets for flights originating from Nigeria should be sold and paid for in naira,” Folami said in a recent statement.

Policy and Economic Impact

The new directive aligns with Section 20 of the CBN Act 2007, which states that the naira is the only legal tender for payments within Nigeria. Financial experts say the move will help strengthen the currency, simplify ticket pricing, and reduce dependence on scarce foreign exchange reserves.

For travel agencies, the change could ease operational bottlenecks. Many agents have struggled to meet foreign exchange demands from airlines, leading to delayed remittances and disruptions in sales. With payments now in local currency, smaller agencies are expected to regain access to direct ticketing partnerships.

Consumers are also expected to benefit from more predictable pricing. Ticket costs have often fluctuated due to dollar volatility and exchange rate markups. By settling in naira, industry watchers say customers could see fairer, more transparent ticket pricing.

While the implementation phase is still ongoing, airlines and banks are now working with regulators to align their systems with the policy. The aviation community, both local and international, is watching closely as the transition takes effect.