Rising Conflict Over Agency Debit Memos in Nigeria's Aviation

The article addresses the increasing conflict over Agency Debit Memos (ADM) in Nigeria's travel agency sector, where airlines penalize agents for booking violations. Ezekiel Ikotun, Managing Director of Finchglow Travel, reported that the industry could lose up to N1 billion by 2025 due to these issues.

Finchglow alone lost N70 million in one year due to the ADM system, which has been problematic for the last 20 years. Airlines are accused of using sophisticated systems to reject bookings that violate processes, leading to financial penalties for travel agencies.

Adetola Alabi, Area Manager for Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, denied allegations of using ADM as a punitive measure against agents. The article emphasizes the need for better technology and training to minimize violations and protect the income of travel agency partners.