Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced plans to introduce a bill that will require government officials to use Nigerian airlines for international travel where available.
Keyamo made the disclosure on Sunday during the ceremonial launch of Air Peace’s inaugural direct flight from Abuja to London’s Heathrow Airport. The event, held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, was also attended by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema.
According to the minister, the proposed legislation, titled the “Fly Nigerian Act,” is aimed at strengthening local carriers and ensuring that public funds support the domestic aviation sector.
“We are going to bring the ‘Fly Nigerian Air’ bill to him (Benjamin Kalu). He will pass it,” Keyamo said.
He explained that the law would mandate that government officials travelling abroad must first patronise Nigerian airlines on any international route where such services exist, except in cases where no local carrier operates the route.
Keyamo added that the initiative aligns with international best practices, noting that countries such as the United States and India already operate similar protective aviation laws.
“We have the Fly American Act. We also have the Fly India Act. These laws exist across the world, but we have not implemented ours,” he said.
The minister maintained that the move would strengthen national carriers, improve the aviation industry’s competitiveness, and retain revenue within the country.
