Travel agents decry losses as Middle East crisis bites

The President of the National Association of Travel Agents of Nigeria (NANTA), Yinka Folami, has warned that the ongoing Israel‑Iran conflict is inflicting heavy losses on travel agencies across the country, disrupting operations and eroding revenues.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the association’s Annual General Meeting, which also marks its golden jubilee, Folami said the Middle East remains a critical travel corridor for Nigerian passengers, accounting for an estimated 30 to 40 percent of outbound traffic from Nigeria.

“This Israel‑Iran war, we honestly don’t like it. Anytime there is this kind of disruption, we are the first to suffer it and suffer it really,” Folami said. “That region is a major hub for Nigeria and takes 30–40 per cent of our traffic. We don’t like it, our members don’t like it, and it is affecting our business in no small measure.”

He explained that beyond reduced passenger volumes, travel agents are also grappling with the financial burden of processing refunds, which must be paid in full including commissions.

“I, personally, know the number of refunds that I have had to do, and when this happens, we refund in full, including commissions,” Folami said. “So we don’t want it, and we can only pray for peace.”

Away from the conflict, Folami highlighted the association’s advocacy efforts to stabilise the industry. He noted that NANTA had successfully pushed back against cross‑border ticket sales, which he described as a major drain on Nigeria’s travel market, accounting for up to 50 percent of the sector at one point.

“Cross‑border trading is a sin, and it takes 50 per cent of our market, but today our market has regained its place,” he said. “That was done not just by us, but our advocacy has forced the hands of industry stakeholders to make those corrections.”

He added that the association engaged airlines and government authorities directly, including sending messages to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, which led to corrective measures.

Folami also criticised the practice by some international airlines of selling tickets exclusively in foreign currency, describing it as disrespectful to Nigeria’s sovereignty and harmful to the local economy.

“It is disrespectful that some airlines sell only in dollars in our country, a sovereign nation,” he said. “Even if BASA allows it, what happens to us, to our naira? I strongly think it is disrespectful.”