Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has announced that beginning January 2025, the Nigerian government will no longer approve flight schedules for international airlines that do not utilize local catering services for their outbound meals.
Keyamo made this declaration during an interview, amidst ongoing discussions regarding his previous directive issued on October 15, 2024, which encouraged foreign airlines to engage local caterers for their outbound services.
In his latest update, Keyamo clarified that this initiative aims to enhance the aviation sector and contribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy.
He estimated that implementing this directive could retain nearly $1 billion annually in revenue from outbound meal services that foreign airlines currently take abroad.
Keyamo firmly stated that any foreign airline unwilling to adhere to this new requirement should consider ceasing operations in Nigeria.
“Every segment of the Nigerian economy, including the aviation sector, must find ways to contribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a $1 trillion economy,” he emphasized. “If you are a minister, your sector must play a role in this initiative.”
He elaborated that while foreign aircraft arrive in Nigeria with inbound meals, many also bring frozen outbound meals for passengers, which are served to Nigerian travelers.
“This represents a significant revenue opportunity for our domestic caterers, which we cannot overlook,” he added.
As such, Keyamo reiterated that international airlines must partner with local caterers for their outbound meals, stating, “From January 2025, we will not approve flight schedules unless there is a contract with our local caterers. Airlines that refuse to comply should halt their flights to Nigeria.”
