Sade Williams/Business a.m.
Yinka Folami, president, NANTA
Nigerians looking to travel overseas have been urged to avoid individuals and organisations who promise them guaranteed visas as visa issuance is not within the mandate of travel professionals.
Yinka Folami, president, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), appearing on Creative Naija, a programme aired on Mainland FM 98.3 to field questions on ‘Tackling Nigeria’s Travel Trade Challenges’, noted that members of his association, NANTA, are bound by ethical standards and are only authorized to provide visa advisory services.
He therefore welcomed investigations by anti-corruption agencies into visa fraud, stating that such efforts are necessary to protect Nigeria’s national image.
According to him, in order to further strengthen public trust, NANTA has introduced a member verification portal on its website, issued unique membership ID cards, restructured its constitution, and is transforming its training programmes into a full-fledged NANTA Training Institute.
Addressing the menace of cross-border trading, Folami described it as the “greatest infidelity and a sin against the local market.”
He condemned the actions of global merchants who bypass licensed Nigerian agents to sell travel products directly to consumers, resulting in capital flight, job losses, and diminished market control.
Commending British Airways for updating its systems to prioritize Point of Commencement (POC), he noted that such efforts effectively curb cross-border abuse.
Folami also took a firm stance against the practice of dollar-only ticket sales by some foreign airlines, describing it as “a direct affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty.”
He explained that the policy excludes over 70 percent of licensed Nigerian agents and undermines the naira.
With improvements in market liquidity, the resolution of remittance issues, FX stabilisation, and enhanced transparency by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), he stressed that the rationale for USD-only ticketing is no longer valid.
While urging airlines to accommodate the naira, Folami praised the CBN’s ongoing reforms and emphasised NANTA’s commitment to support the government in fostering economic progress.
Regarding the frequent cancellations and delays of domestic flights, Folami acknowledged the shared responsibility among all stakeholders — government, airlines, travel agents, and passengers. He emphasised that no airline benefits from disruptions, as they damage both reputation and operational integrity.
Concluding the session, Folami reaffirmed NANTA’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, collaboration, and capacity building. He highlighted ongoing initiatives such as sustained engagement with government agencies, the rollout of accredited training programmes through the forthcoming NANTA Training Institute, and the implementation of a revised constitution aimed at strengthening the association’s standards and membership growth.
