No summer flights for foreign airlines that fail to patronise Nigerian caterers- Keyamo

No summer flights for foreign airlines that fail to patronise Nigerian caterers- Keyamo

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace
development, has warned that foreign airlines operating in Nigeria will not
receive approval for their summer schedules unless they partner with local
caterers for onboard meal services.

 

On October 15, 2024, Keyamo directed foreign airlines
operating in Nigeria to patronise local caterers for onboard meal services.

 

He instructed all foreign airlines to ensure strict compliance
beginning January 1, 2025.

 

The minister added that the policy is aimed at boosting
Nigeria’s local economy.

 

Speaking on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos,
the minister raised concerns over the lack of patronage of Nigerian catering
services by foreign airlines operating in the country.

 

“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,” Keyamo said.

 

He also said Maiduguri airport was undergoing an upgrade to
become the first international airport in the north-east.

 

The minister urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority
(NCAA) to further streamline the AOC issuance process, suggesting that
approvals could potentially be granted within 24 hours if feasible.

 

‘FAAN PRIORITISES RUNWAY SAFETY, POWER SUPPLY’

 Also speaking, Olubunmi Kuku, managing director (MD) of
FAAN, said runway friction tests and de-rubberisation have been a top priority
to enhance safety across the country’s airports.

 

“Over the past 12 months, we have been extremely consistent
in our efforts to maintain clean runways. We have also deployed additional
equipment for friction testing,” she said.

 

Kuku noted that while FAAN had made progress in wildlife
management, challenges such as bird strikes remained.

 

Highlighting achievements in 2024, the MD cited the
recertification of several airports and the rehabilitation of Hajj terminals in
Maiduguri, Kano, Abuja, Ilorin, Katsina, and other locations, with ongoing work
in Lagos.

 

Kuku added that FAAN had embarked on electrification projects,
particularly in Lagos, to tackle recurring power outages.

Source: No summer flights for foreign airlines that fail to patronise Nigerian caterers- Keyamo

 - NigerianEye
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