In a bold move to support local businesses, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has warned that he will reject the summer schedules of foreign airlines unless they partner with Nigerian caterers for in-flight meals.
Keyamo made this announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting on the transformation of the aviation industry in Lagos on Friday. The minister expressed frustration over international airlines’ reluctance to use local caterers, stressing that any airline flying in and out of Nigeria must have a formal agreement with Nigerian catering services.
“I will not approve the summer schedule for foreign airlines until they show me an agreement that demonstrates they are working with our local caterers,” Keyamo stated.
He further emphasized that airlines unwilling to comply with this policy could choose to stop flying into Nigeria altogether. “You can stop flying into Nigeria if you can’t patronize Nigeria’s local caterers, and our airlines, such as Air Peace, will take over the route,” he added.
In addition to this firm stance on supporting local businesses, Keyamo also highlighted an exciting development in Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure. He revealed that the Maiduguri airport is being upgraded to an international airport, making it the first of its kind in the North East.
This move is part of the government’s broader efforts to enhance the aviation sector and ensure the benefits of air travel extend to all regions of the country.
