Ezekiel Ikotun, Managing Director of Finchglow Travels Limited, highlighted these issues during the recent PartnerPlus Connect (PPC) event in Abuja, a forum that brought together key stakeholders in Nigeria’s travel and tourism sector to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Ikotun drew attention to several structural obstacles facing local travel agencies. Among these are staffing shortages, knowledge gaps—especially in digital technology—and limited access to funding. He also noted that many agents lack accreditation from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), restricting their access to vital industry information and resources.
“The foreign exchange restrictions and policy instability we are experiencing have led to inconsistencies in airline pricing and settlement systems,” Ikotun explained. “This volatility affects the entire travel ecosystem, making it harder for agents to operate efficiently and plan ahead.”
To navigate these challenges, Finchglow has adopted several strategies. The company leverages corporate clients who pay in foreign currency and negotiates dual-currency settlements with airlines to reduce exposure to exchange rate fluctuations.
“As a consolidator, our goal is to educate our customers, equip them with the right knowledge, and make them global players,” Ikotun said. He emphasized that initiatives like PartnerPlus Connect are designed to bridge knowledge gaps by providing timely industry information, technology insights, and exposure to global best practices.
Despite these efforts, he acknowledged the thin margins in the travel business, noting that airlines are increasingly cautious due to economic and policy uncertainties. “Fare volatility is largely driven by broader policy and foreign exchange issues,” he added.
To support agents, Finchglow organizes monthly engagement forums, weekly industry newsletters, and online training sessions. This year alone, the company has hosted three PartnerPlus Connect events and plans to expand to additional locations to reach more professionals. Finchglow also actively collaborates with industry bodies such as the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) and IATA to advocate for fair policies and improved operating conditions.
Ikotun commended recent efforts by the Minister of Aviation to stabilize the sector but cautioned that achieving fairness and consistency remains an ongoing process.
Supporting this view, Abiola Bakare, Manager of B2B at Finchglow Travels, stressed the importance of sustained government engagement to address regulatory inconsistencies and strengthen local capacity. He highlighted areas such as Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities as critical for reducing capital flight and promoting domestic industry growth.
“Initiatives like PartnerPlus Connect are essential for ensuring that Nigerian travel agents can compete effectively in the global travel ecosystem,” Bakare concluded, reinforcing the need for continuous professional development and systemic support.