The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has clarified that the directive mandating outbound flights to patronise local caterers does not compel foreign airlines to serve Nigerian dishes, but strictly mandates them to engage Nigerian caterers.
The minister had earlier issued a directive mandating foreign airlines operating out of Nigeria to use local caterers for in-flight meals.
To take effect on January 1, 2025, the directive was communicated in an official letter addressed to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), signed by Hassan Ejibunu, who oversees the office of the permanent secretary.
According to the memo: “I am directed by the Honourable Minister of Aviation to convey to you his decision to mandate all outbound flights from Nigeria, especially foreign airlines, to patronise 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 January 2025.”
While clarifying his earlier directive on his official X (formerly Twitter), Keyamo stated that local caterers are fully equipped to prepare continental and international meals tailored to the airlines’ specific requirements.
According to Keyamo, “the age-long practice of bringing meals frozen from their countries and warming them for service on outbound flights to mostly Nigerian citizens is no longer acceptable.”
He added that Nigeria has competent quality control agencies to ensure the hygiene and safety of meals prepared by local caterers, addressing any concerns the airlines may have.
The Minister reiterated that if foreign airlines expect Nigeria to trust the quality of imported meals served in-flights, they should also trust Nigeria’s vetting process for meals prepared locally.
Highlighting the importance of supporting local businesses, he said: “We must support our local businesses with our huge population and traffic. Other caterers from abroad should not benefit from what should contribute to the local economy.”
