- the government will soon introduce a bill called the Fly Nigerian Act
- the proposed legislation is in line with global best practices
- promoting Nigerian pride on the global stage
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has proposed a new law that will require all public officials to fly with Nigerian-owned airlines on international routes.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Keyamo made the announcement on Sunday during the send-off ceremony for Air Peace’s maiden direct flight from Abuja to London Heathrow Airport.
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The event, held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, was attended by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema.
According to the minister, the government will soon introduce a bill called the Fly Nigerian Act, which will make it compulsory for government officials to patronise local airlines operating on international routes.
“We are going to bring the Fly Nigerian Air bill to him (Benjamin Kalu), and he will pass it. The idea is to ensure that every government official travelling abroad first considers a Nigerian airline if it operates that route,” Keyamo said.
He explained that the proposed legislation is in line with global best practices, where countries prioritise their domestic carriers to boost their aviation industries.
Keyamo noted that the move would create jobs, promote economic growth, and help retain foreign exchange within Nigeria.
“If a government official, minister, senator, or director-general is flying abroad, the first question should be: Is there a Nigerian airline flying that route? If yes, you must fly it. That’s the essence of the Fly Nigerian Act,” he added.
The minister stated that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and will strengthen confidence in the nation’s aviation sector while promoting Nigerian pride on the global stage.
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