Foreign airlines are reportedly violating Nigerian aviation laws by continuing to operate multiple ticketing offices across several cities, contrary to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regulations. According to The PUNCH, these offices,set up despite explicit restrictions,reflect ongoing non-compliance by international carriers and efforts that could potentially undermine Nigeria’s downstream aviation market.
Industry stakeholders have raised concerns about the NCAA’s lax enforcement and called for stronger oversight. Part 18.6.1.1(c) of the NCAA Regulations clearly states that foreign airlines operating scheduled international services “shall not have sales offices or outlets in cities other than the point(s) of entry specified in the existing bilateral air services agreement,” and that such operations should be limited to airport areas. However, investigations reveal that at least six major international airlines continue to maintain ticketing offices beyond the designated aerodromes.
Aviation experts have described this as a deliberate violation of Nigerian law designed to weaken local travel agencies and erode domestic market opportunities. Despite the apparent infractions, sources within the Ministry of Aviation disclosed that while the issue is gaining attention, the NCAA has yet to take decisive action.
Aviation analyst Olumide Ohunayo characterized the situation as a standoff between regulators and airlines, arguing that both sides have contributed to the problem. He explained that airlines often exploit loopholes by using “general sales agents” (GSAs) who sell tickets directly from airline offices under the guise of independent operators. According to him, this practice blurs accountability and complicates enforcement. He also noted that some agents have been seen selling tickets within airport premises, a form of “hawking” that violates existing laws.
Yinka Folami, President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents (NANTA), confirmed that the issue is already before the government. He reiterated that the NCAA regulation prohibiting city-based ticketing offices is valid and enforceable. Folami expressed confidence that ongoing discussions with stakeholders,including the affected airlines,would lead to compliance.
He recalled that when the International Air Transport Association (IATA) introduced the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) to Nigeria about 15 years ago, there was a clear understanding that airlines would close their city sales offices and liberalize airfares. According to Folami, adherence to this agreement is vital to maintaining fairness and alignment with international best practices.
Folami further emphasized that, globally, airlines are expected to restrict ticket sales to airports while keeping city offices strictly for administrative or identity purposes. He questioned why Nigeria should be treated differently when most countries strictly enforce this practice. He also commended airlines already complying with the regulation, describing their actions as “pro-agency and pro-market.”
He urged all stakeholders,including the NCAA, IATA, and the government to enforce compliance with this “simple and clear regulation,” aligning with the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda for a transparent and competitive aviation sector.
Efforts by The PUNCH to obtain comments from the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or text messages.
The controversy underscores ongoing tension between Nigeria’s aviation regulators and foreign carriers over market control and compliance, with stakeholders insisting that stricter enforcement is crucial to ensuring fair competition and adherence to global standards.
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