Stakeholders in Nigeria’s travel industry have expressed concern over Emirates’ decision to price tickets on Nigerian routes in U.S. dollars ahead of its flight resumption on October 1, 2024.
The move is seen as potentially exacerbating dollar scarcity and putting additional pressure on the naira, according to Susan Akporaiye, CEO of Topaz Travels and Tours and National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) President.
Industry analysts like Olumide Ohunayo suggest that the dollar pricing may be a temporary measure or marketing tactic, with potential adjustments closer to the resumption date.
However, the pricing strategy is controversial, especially as it bypasses the use of naira, Nigeria’s legal tender.
Yinka Folami, current NANTA President, criticized the dollar-denominated pricing and called for the respect of Nigeria’s legal tender.
He noted that continued dollarization of ticket sales would further strain the naira, urging Emirates to consider the sovereignty of Nigeria in its pricing strategy.