Foreign airlines continue to operate ticketing offices across multiple Nigerian cities, despite regulatory restrictions, raising concerns among industry stakeholders over non-compliance and the shrinking of the domestic aviation market.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Act, Part 18.6.1.1(c), stipulates that foreign carriers may only operate sales outlets at designated points of entry specified in bilateral air services agreements, limited to aerodromes. Investigations by The PUNCH revealed that six major airlines currently maintain ticket offices beyond airport terminals, in clear violation of the law.
Industry experts describe the practice as a deliberate attempt to bypass regulations. Olumide Ohunayo, an aviation practitioner, explained that airlines employ general sales agents (GSAs) to sell tickets from city offices, creating a loophole. “Some travel agents are seen at airports issuing tickets, which is a breach. Airlines started signing GSAs who operate from offices, claiming they aren’t selling directly,” he said.
The President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents (NANTA), Yinka Folami, confirmed the issue and noted that the matter is under government review. He highlighted that when the International Air Transport Association (IATA) introduced the Billing and Settlement Plan in Nigeria around 15 years ago, airlines had agreed to close City Sales Offices and liberalise fares.
Folami emphasised that best practice globally restricts ticket sales to airports, with town offices serving only administrative or identity purposes. “Airlines should only operate city offices through appointed GSAs. Many airlines are already compliant, and simple regulations just need enforcement,” he said.
Attempts to reach Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, were unsuccessful. Sources suggest that while the issue is gaining attention, enforcement by the NCAA remains limited, prompting calls from industry players for stricter oversight.
The development highlights ongoing challenges in regulating Nigeria’s aviation sector, underscoring the need for coordinated action between airlines, regulators, and government authorities to safeguard market integrity and compliance with established laws.
