The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has warned that foreign airlines may be denied approval for their summer flight schedules if they fail to patronize Nigerian catering services.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos on Friday, themed “Transforming the Aviation Industry,” Keyamo emphasized the need for foreign airlines operating in Nigeria to support local businesses, create jobs, and contribute to the country’s aviation sector.
“I will not approve summer schedules for foreign airlines unless they show me agreements proving they have partnered with our local caterers,” he declared. He further stated that airlines unwilling to comply could choose to stop flying into Nigeria.
Stronger Support for Domestic Airlines
Keyamo also announced plans to upgrade Maiduguri Airport—now renamed Muhammadu Buhari International Airport—into an international airport to enhance connectivity in the Northeast.
He reiterated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening domestic airlines, facilitating access to international financing, and ensuring Nigerian carriers receive credit facilities at single-digit interest rates.
Dr. Allen Onyema, Vice President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and Chairman of Air Peace, praised the administration’s support for local airlines. He commended Keyamo and the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, for policies that have helped struggling airlines survive.
“Domestic airlines have never had it this good under any other government,” Onyema remarked, urging airlines to self-regulate and maintain high safety standards.
NCAA Expands Aviation Industry
The NCAA revealed that in the past year, it granted five new Air Operator Certificates (AOCs), allowing new airlines to commence commercial flight operations. NCAA Director General Chris Najomo assured that all certifications followed strict safety protocols, emphasizing that well-maintained aircraft, regardless of age, remain safe for operations.
Air France Controversy
Meanwhile, Keyamo intervened in a dispute involving Nigerian passengers stranded in Lome, Togo, after an Air France flight from Paris to Abuja was diverted due to bad weather.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Keyamo wrote: “I have just been alerted of a situation involving mostly Nigerian passengers left stranded at Lome by @airfrance. I insisted that they must be brought back to Abuja tonight or be treated in line with best international standards if they must sleep in Lome.”
Following his directive, Air France was instructed to ensure the passengers’ swift return to Nigeria.
