Nigerian passengers have expressed their extreme disapproval of the ongoing practice of selling airline tickets in foreign currencies, particularly the US dollar. Many worry that the strategy will increase airfare even further, making travel increasingly out of reach for the typical Nigerian.
The controversial practice, recently reinstated by certain international airlines, has sparked outrage within the aviation industry. Both passengers and experts have condemned the dollar-only ticket sales, calling them an insult to Nigeria’s sovereignty and urging the Federal Government to intervene immediately.
During interviews at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos on Monday, several travelers complained that the policy would exacerbate the usual fare hikes that already strain family budgets during the festive season.
Adding to their frustration, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) recently announced a new $11.50 charge per ticket, effective December 1, 2025, under the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS). The NCAA explained that the fee is meant to enhance airport security and speed up passenger processing by collecting traveler data before arrival. However, critics argue that this additional fee, separate from an existing $20 security levy introduced in 2010, will only increase the financial burden on passengers and complicate air travel.
Still, the most troubling issue for many Nigerians remains the insistence by some foreign airlines on accepting only U.S. dollars for ticket payments. Many see this as exploitative and disrespectful to Nigeria’s national currency.
A Morocco-bound passenger, Aderele James, condemned the policy as an attempt to undermine Nigeria’s economy and sovereignty. “I was shocked when my agent said some airlines now insist on dollar payments. This is Nigeria, a sovereign nation; our legal tender is the naira. Why should we accept such disrespect? Our leaders’ silence on this is shameful,” he said.
James vowed never to patronize airlines that reject the naira, describing the move as “disrespectful and unacceptable.” He urged the government to act swiftly, warning that silence would only embolden those trying to “trample on our independence.”
Another traveler, identified simply as Lawson, also pledged to boycott any airline refusing naira payments, calling the policy discriminatory and insensitive.
The president of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents (NANTA), Yinka Folami, acknowledged that foreign airlines have the right to make business decisions but insisted such decisions must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and legal framework.
“Excluding the naira from transactions in Nigeria is indefensible,” Folami said. “It puts unnecessary pressure on our currency and undermines government efforts to stabilize the economy.”
He warned that continued dollar demand in the aviation sector could further weaken the naira and urged airlines to demonstrate confidence in Nigeria’s improving fiscal outlook. “Selling tickets in naira will empower young agents, create jobs, and strengthen the economy,” he added.
With the festive season approaching, passengers and industry stakeholders are calling for urgent government intervention to protect consumers, preserve national dignity, and ensure that Nigerians can continue to travel affordably in their own currency.