Keyamo

By Dickson Omobola

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, Friday, directed foreign airlines to either partner with local caterers or lose their summer schedule.

In October 2024, Keyamo ordered all foreign airlines to patronise local caterers for on-board meals.

The Minister stated this in a letter dated October 15, 2024, signed by the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Abuja, H.T. Ejibunu; and written to Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Capt Chris Najomo.

The letter said: “I am directed by the Minister of Aviation to convey to you his decision to mandate all outbound flights from Nigeria, especially foreign airlines to patronise local caterers for on-board meals. Consequently, you are hereby directed to convey the decision to all foreign airlines for strict compliance beginning from 1st of January, 2025.”

Four months after, Keyamo said he was sad that local caterers were not benefiting from the windfalls of foreign airlines operating in Nigeria.

He spoke during a stakeholders meeting on ‘Transforming the Aviation Industry’ held in Lagos.

He said: ““I will not approve summer schedule for foreign airlines until they show me agreement showing they have partnered with our local caterers.” According to him, foreign airlines could choose to stop flying into Nigeria if they would not patronise local caterers.