Nigerian Travel Agents Face Losses Amid Middle East Crisis

Yinka Folami, the president of the Nigerian Association of Travel Agents (NANTA), expressed grave concerns regarding the financial impact of the Israel-Iran conflict on Nigerian travel agencies. During a press conference held to usher in NANTA's annual general meeting, coinciding with its golden jubilee, Folami reported that the ongoing geopolitical tensions have severely disrupted one of the busiest travel corridors for Nigerian passengers.

He noted that the crisis has already taken a heavy toll on the sector, with travel agents grappling with significant losses. Folami explained that the conflict has reduced passenger traffic by 30-40%, leading to financial implications such as high refund costs, which agents often bear.

He criticized international airlines for selling tickets exclusively in foreign currencies, which he described as disrespectful to Nigeria's sovereignty and harmful to the local economy. Folami emphasized the need for advocacy and engagement with stakeholders to stabilize the industry and protect the Nigerian travel market.