The Fly Nigeria Act, introduced by the Federal Government, aims to boost the aviation sector by requiring government-funded travel to prioritize Nigerian flag carriers.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo presented the Act during a stakeholders’ engagement event on Friday, highlighting its potential to revitalize the industry and strengthen local airlines.
Keyamo referred to the Fly Nigeria Act as a bold move to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector, which he called a “vital pillar” of the country’s economy.
He noted the aviation sector’s vital role in fostering economic growth, promoting trade, and strengthening connections within Nigeria and internationally.
The Fly Nigeria Act primarily aims to ensure that Nigerian flag carriers are prioritized for all government-funded travel, whether domestic, regional, or international.
“The summary of the Fly Nigeria Act is that every government-funded trip, whether from a ministry or agency, must patronise the Nigerian flag carrier first before any foreign carrier,” Keyamo stated.
This prioritization also applies to connecting flights.
He stated, “If you are travelling to the US through London, and the first leg of that trip has a Nigerian flag carrier flying the route, you must use the Nigerian carrier for that leg before connecting to an international carrier.”
Although the Fly Nigeria Act is still under proposal, the federal government has already made strides to support local aviation content.
In October 2024, a directive was issued requiring all outbound flights from Nigeria, including those by foreign airlines, to source onboard meals from local caterers starting January 1, 2025.
This directive aligns with the broader vision of the Fly Nigeria Act, which aims to prioritize Nigerian businesses, strengthen local industries, and enhance the aviation sector.
Communicated via a memo to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the directive underscores the importance of utilizing local resources to stimulate the economy.
