Foreign airlines operating in Nigeria may face disruptions in their summer schedules as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has mandated them to partner with local caterers for onboard meal services.
He emphasized that compliance with this directive is essential for approval of their flight schedules.
The policy, first announced on October 15, 2024, is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s local economy by ensuring that foreign airlines patronize indigenous catering companies.
Keyamo stressed the importance of this initiative during a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos on Friday, February 28.
“I will not approve the summer schedule for foreign airlines until I see an agreement showing they have partnered with our local caterers for onboard meals,” Keyamo stated.
His remarks highlighted concerns over the continued reliance of foreign airlines on international suppliers instead of Nigerian catering services.
Meanwhile, the minister also revealed that Maiduguri airport is undergoing an upgrade to become the first international airport in the northeast region.
He further urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to streamline the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) issuance process, suggesting that approvals could potentially be granted within 24 hours if feasible.
In addition to Keyamo’s directives, Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), addressed ongoing efforts to enhance airport safety.
She emphasized that runway friction tests and de-rubberization had been prioritized to improve operations across the country’s airports.
“Over the past 12 months, we have been extremely consistent in our efforts to maintain clean runways.
We have also deployed additional equipment for friction testing,” Kuku said.
She acknowledged that while progress had been made in wildlife management, bird strikes remained a challenge.
Highlighting FAAN’s achievements in 2024, Kuku mentioned the recertification of several airports and the rehabilitation of Hajj terminals in Maiduguri, Kano, Abuja, Ilorin, Katsina, and other locations, with ongoing work in Lagos.
She also noted that electrification projects had been launched, particularly in Lagos, to address recurring power outages.
The aviation sector remains a critical driver of Nigeria’s economy, and the government’s push for local patronage is seen as a step toward economic empowerment.
With the summer travel season approaching, foreign airlines are expected to comply with the new policy to avoid schedule disruptions.
As Keyamo remains firm on this directive, industry stakeholders are watching closely to see how airlines will respond to the requirement to collaborate with Nigerian caterers.
The policy signals a broader move towards self-sufficiency and local investment in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
