The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has cautioned all intending travellers to stop patronising unregistered travel agencies.
A statement signed by the agency’s General Manager, Public Relations, Sam Adurogboye adduced reason for the warning to the recent increase in reports of fraudulent ticketing practices by unregistered travel agencies.
He stated that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) 2015, Part 18.9.1 (111), prohibits the undertaking of the business of travel agency by any person in Nigeria, without a Certificate of Registration or Licence issued by the Authority, upon fulfilment of certain requirements, including, that an applicant submits evidence of membership of National Association of Nigeria Travel Agents (NANTA).
“In addition, Section 30 (4) of the Civil Aviation Act 2006, empowers the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to regulate, supervise and monitor the activities of travel agents in Nigeria.”
And consequent upon these reports of sundry sharp practices by unregistered travel agencies, the agency has directed all duly registered travel agencies to display their certificates of registration or licences in all their outlets.
Adurogboye stated that there are 150 travel agencies on the register of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
He however noted that there are guidelines for registration with the agency, stressing that any applicant must fulfil both the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and NCAA requirements to be registered.
NCAA therefore reiterates that prospective passengers should do business only with travel agencies registered with the Regulatory Authority.
By Gboyega Adeoye
