No Naija Meals, No Flight Approvals! Nigeria Government Tells Foreign Airlines

 

    Festus Keyamo, Nigeria Aviation Minister


In a bold move to bolster the local economy and assert Nigeria's aviation sovereignty, the Federal Government has mandated that all outbound flights from Nigeria, particularly those operated by foreign airlines, must source their in-flight meals from Nigerian catering services starting January 1, 2025. 

This directive was officially communicated in a memo dated October 15, 2024, titled "Directive of the Hon. Minister to Foreign Airlines on On-Board Meals." Authored by H.T. Ejibunu, Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, the memo was addressed to the Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). It conveyed the decision of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, emphasizing the necessity for foreign airlines to comply with this new regulation. 

Minister Keyamo clarified that this mandate does not compel foreign airlines to serve Nigerian dishes but requires them to engage Nigerian caterers capable of preparing continental and international meals tailored to the airlines' specific requirements. He criticized the longstanding practice of importing frozen meals, stating, "The age-long practice of bringing meals frozen from their countries and warming them for service on outbound flights to mostly Nigerian citizens is no longer acceptable." 

To ensure compliance, Minister Keyamo has taken a firm stance by linking the approval of foreign airlines' summer flight schedules to their adherence to this directive. He warned, "I will not approve the summer schedule for foreign airlines until they show me an agreement showing they have partnered with our local caterers." He further emphasized that non-compliant airlines risk losing their flight slots to Nigerian carriers ready to take over those routes. 

This initiative underscores the government's commitment to supporting local businesses and ensuring that Nigeria's economic interests are prioritized in all sectors, including aviation. By enforcing this directive, the government aims to stimulate the local economy, create jobs, and showcase Nigeria's culinary capabilities on international platforms.

As the January 1, 2025, deadline approaches, all eyes are on the foreign airlines to see how they will adapt to this new requirement. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of this mandate, ensuring that all airlines operating outbound flights from Nigeria comply with the new regulation. 

In conclusion, this directive represents a significant shift in Nigeria's aviation policy, aiming to promote local enterprise and assert national interests in the global aviation industry. It remains to be seen how foreign airlines will respond, but the message from the Nigerian government is clear: support local or face the consequences.

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