The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has started a move to legislate Fly Nigeria Act, designed to revitalise the aviation sector by mandating that all government-funded trips prioritise Nigerian flag carriers.
Keyamo described the Fly Nigeria Act as a bold initiative to support the country’s aviation industry, which he referred to as a ‘vital pillar of the Nigerian economy’.
He emphasised the sector’s critical role in driving economic growth, facilitating trade, and fostering connections within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
The Act’s primary focus is to ensure that Nigerian flag carriers are given priority for all government-funded travel, whether domestic, regional, or international.
“The summary of the Fly Nigeria Act is that every government-funded trip, whether from a ministry or agency, must patronise the Nigerian flag carrier first before any foreign carrier,” Keyamo stated.
He explained further that this prioritisation extends to connecting flights as well.
“If you are travelling to the US through London, and the first leg of that trip has a Nigerian flag carrier flying the route, you must use the Nigerian carrier for that leg before connecting to an international carrier,” the Minister said.
The Minister explained that the Act aims to create demand and market opportunities, even for routes not currently operated by Nigerian carriers.
There has been campaign by aviation stakeholders for Fly Nigeria Act to be legislated and passed into law, but over the years the industry did not have a Minister that has the political will to do so until now.
Communicated through a memo to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, it highlights the importance of utilising Nigeria’s resources to stimulate the local economy.
The Aviation Minister also explained that while airlines are not obligated to serve Nigerian dishes, they must engage local caterers capable of meeting international standards, with quality control agencies ensuring compliance.
