Aviation Federal Ministry Directs Foreign Airlines To Use Nigerian Caterers To Boost Local Economy

The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has urged foreign airlines operating in Nigeria to use catering services available in the country to support local businesses and strengthen the economy.

A memo, dated Oct. 15 and signed by a director in the office of the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, H.E. Ejibunu, said, "l am directed by the Minister of Aviation to convey to you his decision to mandate all outbound flights from Nigeria, especially foreign airlines to patronize local caterers for onboard meals. Directive of the minister to foreign airlines on onboard meals 2," Punch reported.

"Consequently, you are hereby directed to convey the decision to all foreign airlines for strict compliance beginning from January 1, 2025. Thank you," the internal memo shared Tuesday in Abuja mentioned.

This directive comes just five months after Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo asked foreign airlines at a forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in May to support local businesses. The minister said this directive was aligned with the principle of reciprocity in the Bilateral Air Services Agreement.

President of the Association of Foreign Airlines in Nigeria Kingsley Nwokoma welcomed the memo, mentioning that foreign airlines were already getting their onboard food from Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)-approved local vendors.

Nwokoma noted that the directive might be more of an emphasis since most foreign airlines were already sourcing food from local NCAA-approved vendors. He added that local airlines could confirm this.

Last year in December, the International Air Transport Association warned that foreign airlines may be forced to leave the Nigerian market due to increasing trapped funds, higher loan interest rates and insurance premiums.

Due to funds trapped in Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates stopped issuing visas to Nigerian nationals after Emirates Airlines suspended flights last year. However, the ban was lifted after President Bola Tinubu visited Abu Dhabi and secured a landmark deal across various sectors in September.

Aside from this, Saudi Arabia last year denied entry to 177 Nigerians, accusing them of violating the country's visa rules.