Keyamo Urges Foreign Airlines, Others To Use Local Caterers For Onboard Meals
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government has given January 1, 2025 as deadline for all international airlines operating in Nigeria to utilise local caterers for on-board meals on all flights departing from Nigeria.
A memo by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development seen by our correspondent indicated the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has been mandated to implement the policy.
Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development gave the directive in a letter signed by H.T. Ejibunu, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary.
The letter dated 15th October, 2024 was addressed to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The letter read; “I am directed by the Honourable Minister of Aviation to convey to you his decision to mandate all out-bound flights from Nigeria, especially foreign airlines to patronize 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.”
Recall that at the on May 21, 2024 at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the minister has made a call for Qatar Airways and indeed other foreign airlines operating in Nigeria to patronise local careers.
Mr. Keyamo had said this is consistent with the principles of reciprocity outlined in the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and aims to boost Nigeria’s local economy.
The minister has noted that Nigerian cartering companies have the capacity to mess the refreshments need of the international airlines.
Our correspondent reports that all the foreign airlines source all of their inflight catering needs abroad thus, robbing Nigeria the needed revenue streams from in-flight catering services.
For now, only Air Peace, a Nigerian cartering uses local careers for it’s in-flight food needs.
The Federal Ministry of Aviation has directed foreign airlines to patronise local caterers for on-board meals on all outbound flights from Nigeria.
This decision, which is expected to take effect from January 1, 2025, was conveyed by H.T. Ejibunu, Director Overseeing Office of the Permanent Secretary in a letter to the Acting Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Tuesday.
In the directive, it was stated, “I am directed by the Honourable Minister of Aviation to convey to you his decision to mandate all out-bound flights from Nigeria, especially foreign airlines to patronize local caterers for on-board meals.”
The ministry emphasized the importance of adhering to this policy by all foreign airlines operating in Nigeria.
“Consequently, you are hereby directed to convey the decision to all foreign airlines for strict compliance beginning from 1st of January, 2025,” the statement added.
Further clarifications and implementation strategies are anticipated from the ministry in the coming months.
