FG to Restrict Officials and Contractors from Using Foreign Airlines

The Federal Government plans to mandate officials and contractors to patronize local airlines, aiming to boost Nigeria’s aviation industry and reduce capital flight.

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has declared that under his leadership, the long-anticipated Fly Nigeria Act will be enacted into law.

The minister conveyed frustration over the fact that the Act, which has been in development for more than 15 years, still hasn’t been put into effect.

The Fly Nigeria Act seeks to require that all air travel funded by the government—including for employees, contractors, grantees, and property—be conducted through Nigerian national airlines. This initiative is anticipated to strengthen the local aviation industry and support national carriers.

During a one-day Stakeholders’ Engagement in Abuja focused on the Legal Framework for the Fly Nigeria Bill and Related Legislation, Keyamo reiterated his dedication to getting the bill enacted. He stressed the importance of cooperation among all stakeholders to advance it through the legislative process.

Industry leaders have expressed approval of the minister’s efforts. Allen Onyema, Vice President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria and Chairman of Air Peace, together with Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, spokesperson for the Association, praised this initiative as marking a “new dawn” for the nation’s aviation sector.

They believe the bill will significantly boost domestic airlines and promote a more competitive aviation industry in Nigeria.

At the event, Keyamo expressed that this initiative has been in consideration for a considerable period—over 15 years. He noted that his predecessor, Chief Omotoba, served more than 15 years ago and indicated how long it’s taken to bring this bill before the council without success. However, he assured that during his tenure, it will come to fruition.

Our main goal is to get things accomplished. When I arrived at the office, I noticed several pending issues on my desk, such as the Cape Town Convention and appeals from the Aviation Working Group, along with numerous proposals submitted to previous governments for fostering indigenous industry development. We decided it was time to breathe new life into these stagnant initiatives that could boost our local industry’s growth.

“One of them is the Fly Nigeria Act, naturally. Fortunately, Olisa Agbakoba also discussed it with me and presented a proposal.”

“It’s a worldwide conspiracy that’s not immediately obvious unless you’re paying attention. Consider the African continent as an example: international airlines dominate its aviation markets, facing no real competition from local carriers. They deliberately sustain this imbalance to maintain their stronghold on these lucrative markets, particularly in large countries like Nigeria.”

The minister also expressed disappointment that people from around the world have been benefiting significantly in Nigeria without providing equivalent advantages to Africans.

“Air France flights are fully booked both to and from here. Therefore, we will organize a technical session. We have prepared a preliminary draft of the resolution. Members of the National Assembly are anticipating its arrival, and senators await it as well. It’s up to us to establish a technical committee. We’ve agreed in principle that this initiative benefits everyone—especially our local aviation operators.”