The Nigerian government has taken a firm stance on the use of local catering services by foreign airlines, with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, directing the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to enforce compliance.
Keyamo issued the directive at a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, stressing that foreign airlines operating in Nigeria must engage local caterers for their outbound flights. He warned that he would not approve summer flight schedules for non-compliant airlines.
“I will not sign the summer schedule until you show me an agreement with a local caterer for your food,” Keyamo stated. “If you want to stop flying because of that, stop flying—Air Peace will start the route.”
The minister clarified that the policy is not about compelling airlines to serve Nigerian dishes but about boosting local businesses. “I’m not saying it must be amala; even if it’s Chinese rice, they must source it from a local caterer,” he added.
The NCAA has begun enforcing the policy, with some airlines already complying, while others have requested more time. NCAA Director General Captain Chris Najomo affirmed that strict monitoring and enforcement would follow.
“If we don’t get feedback like this, how do we act? Now that we have, we will go back on the field and ensure compliance,” Najomo assured.
The agency plans to conduct on-site inspections to verify adherence to the directive, marking a more proactive approach to regulatory enforcement in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
