Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has warned that foreign airlines operating in Nigeria will not be granted approval for their summer schedules unless they collaborate with local caterers for onboard meal services.
On October 15, 2024, Keyamo issued a directive requiring foreign airlines to engage Nigerian catering services for in-flight meals, mandating full compliance starting January 1, 2025. The minister emphasized that the policy aims to strengthen Nigeria’s local economy.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos on Friday, February 28, Keyamo expressed concerns over the lack of support for Nigerian catering services by foreign carriers. “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,” he stated.
Keyamo also mentioned that the Maiduguri airport is being upgraded to become the first international airport in the northeast. He urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to streamline the process for Aircraft Operating Certificates (AOC), suggesting that approvals could potentially be granted within 24 hours if feasible.
Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), highlighted that runway friction tests and de-rubberisation have been prioritized to improve safety across the country’s airports. “Over the past 12 months, we have been extremely consistent in maintaining clean runways. We have also deployed additional equipment for friction testing,” she said.
Kuku also addressed challenges in wildlife management, particularly bird strikes, and celebrated the recertification of several airports and the rehabilitation of Hajj terminals in cities such as Maiduguri, Kano, Abuja, Ilorin, and Katsina, with ongoing work in Lagos. She added that FAAN is also working on electrification projects in Lagos to address recurring power outages.
