FG To Sanction Foreign Airlines Over Refusal To accept Naira as means of Exchange
ZAINAB JUNAID
Strong indications have emerged that foreign airlines who refused to operate in naira for ticket sales are likely to receive sanctions from Federal Government of Nigeria over their refusal to accept Naira as a means of exchange.
The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, made this known at a briefing today after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Investigations according to him, revealed that some of the airlines refuse to sell in naira but rather sells ticket in dollars which is in violation of Nigerian laws.
Sirika maintained that the regulatory body of the industry Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has been ordered to deal with any foreign airlines caught violating the laws.
He later advised the airlines to desist from using the social media in tackling their demands but rather resort to diplomatic channels which is more acceptable.
“Foreign airlines have made over 1.1 billion dollars so far from Nigeria since 2016, an amount which could have remained in the country if they were local airlines.
“They remitted over 600 million dollars to their home countries in 2016, while over 265 million dollars has also been released this year,” Sirika noted.
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