Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has announced that foreign airlines operating in Nigeria will not be approved for their summer schedules unless they partner with local catering services for onboard meals.
During a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos on February 28, Keyamo emphasized that the policy, which was first introduced on October 15, 2024, and set to take effect on January 1, 2025, is aimed at supporting Nigeria’s local economy by increasing demand for local catering services. “I will not approve the summer schedule for foreign airlines until I see an agreement showing they have partnered with our local caterers for onboard meals,” Keyamo stated.
The Minister also shared updates on the ongoing upgrade of Maiduguri Airport, which is set to become the first international airport in the north-east of Nigeria. He urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to streamline the AOC (Air Operator’s Certificate) issuance process, proposing the possibility of granting approvals within 24 hours if feasible.
Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), also addressed the meeting, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve runway safety through friction testing and de-rubberization. She also noted the progress in wildlife management, while acknowledging challenges like bird strikes. Additionally, Kuku provided updates on FAAN’s achievements, including the recertification of airports and ongoing rehabilitation of Hajj terminals across various locations.