As concerns over compliance and regulatory enforcement deepen in Nigeria’s aviation industry, several foreign airlines have come under scrutiny for operating ticketing outlets across multiple cities in violation of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regulations.
Despite clear directives restricting such activities to designated airport points of entry, investigations reveal that airlines continue to run unauthorized sales offices — a move experts say undermines local travel agents and weakens Nigeria’s aviation regulatory authority.
Foreign Airlines’ Defiance of NCAA Regulations
At the heart of the controversy lies Part 18.6.1.1 (c) of the NCAA Acts, which explicitly states that foreign airlines operating scheduled international air services into and out of Nigeria “shall not have sales offices or outlets in cities other than the point(s) of entry specified in the bilateral air services agreement.”
These points are meant to be limited strictly to aerodromes — the official airports of entry.
However, multiple findings indicate that at least six foreign carriers have continued to operate city-based ticketing offices across major Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt.
This blatant disregard for regulation, insiders say, represents a growing rift between the airlines and the country’s regulatory institutions, particularly the NCAA, whose enforcement capacity has been called into question.
Stakeholders Call for Stronger Oversight
Industry observers argue that these violations have gone unchecked for too long.
According to aviation analyst Olumide Ohunayo, the ongoing situation reflects both regulatory weakness and deliberate circumvention by airlines using intermediaries to mask their activities.
Ohunayo noted that the airlines have exploited loopholes by employing General Sales Agents (GSAs) — entities that sell tickets on behalf of airlines — often operating directly from the carriers’ offices under the guise of independence.
“What we’re seeing is a case of airlines bypassing the law by contracting general sales agents who use the airlines’ facilities to sell tickets,” Ohunayo explained.
“In some cases, these agents and even airline staff are seen loitering around airports issuing tickets, which is a clear breach of the regulations. The NCAA must address this systemic non-compliance.”
He added that previous sting operations conducted by the NCAA have proven inconclusive because airlines and their GSAs often deflect responsibility, claiming the offices are operated independently.
NANTA Backs NCAA’s Position
Confirming the ongoing infractions, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents (NANTA), Yinka Folami, said the issue is already before the government.
He expressed optimism that discussions between the NCAA and foreign carriers would lead to full compliance, stressing that the regulation was introduced to protect Nigeria’s travel industry and ensure global best practices.
According to Folami, the closure of city sales offices was part of the original understanding when the International Air Transport Association (IATA) introduced the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) to Nigeria nearly 15 years ago.
“Closure of city sales offices was a clear understanding when IATA introduced BSP to Nigeria.
Airlines were to restrict ticket sales to airports and operate only administrative offices in cities,” Folami said.
“The continued operation of these offices is a breach of both NCAA regulations and international aviation norms.”
He emphasized that in other countries, airlines strictly limit ticket sales to airport locations, making Nigeria’s situation an anomaly.
“It is best practice globally for airlines to sell tickets only at airports. In conversations with several airline managers, many of them acknowledge this as the rule in their home countries. The question is — why should Nigeria be treated differently?” he asked.
Aviation Market Implications and Enforcement Challenges
Experts warn that the proliferation of illegal ticketing offices poses economic risks to Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
By selling directly through city offices, foreign carriers effectively bypass local travel agencies, reducing their market share and income opportunities.
Furthermore, the practice creates a parallel market that complicates the NCAA’s oversight of ticket pricing, sales records, and tax remittances.
Stakeholders have therefore urged the government to take immediate steps to enforce the NCAA’s regulatory powers, close illegal outlets, and impose penalties for violations.
However, there are concerns that weak institutional enforcement, political interference, and the airlines’ strong market influence may continue to undermine compliance.
Folami and other aviation leaders have called for collaboration among all stakeholders — including IATA, NCAA, and the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development — to ensure that Nigeria’s airspace governance aligns with global standards.
“Simple and clear regulations just need to be enforced by all parties,” Folami said.
“Airlines that want to operate city offices must do so through authorized general sales agents, not direct outlets. This is not just about compliance — it’s about fairness and sustainability in Nigeria’s aviation market.”
He added that strict compliance would help Nigeria align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, which emphasizes rule of law, institutional integrity, and economic transparency.
Attempts to obtain an official response from the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, were unsuccessful as calls and messages sent to his office were not returned as of press time.
Analysts, however, insist that the NCAA cannot afford to remain silent as continued disregard for its regulations may embolden more carriers to flout existing laws.
With the aviation sector being a major contributor to Nigeria’s GDP and a critical link for global trade, experts warn that failure to act decisively could erode investor confidence and weaken Nigeria’s regulatory credibility internationally.
As the debate intensifies, one thing remains clear — the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry depends on consistent enforcement of the NCAA regulation governing foreign airlines’ operations.
By closing illegal ticketing outlets and ensuring compliance, authorities can restore fairness to the sector, strengthen local participation, and reaffirm Nigeria’s position as a credible player in global aviation.
