Economy

Federal Government mandates foreign airlines to engage Nigerian caterers

Written by Agboola Oluwafemi on October 16, 2024

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The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has issued a directive requiring foreign airlines operating in Nigeria to utilize the services of Nigerian caterers. This announcement comes five months after the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, urged international airlines to incorporate local content, particularly Nigerian catering services, during a forum held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in May.

The minister’s mandate aligns with the principles of reciprocity established in the Bilateral Air Services Agreement, designed to stimulate the growth of Nigeria’s local economy. This directive was conveyed in an internal memo, exclusively accessed by our correspondent in Abuja on Tuesday.

The memo, originating from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, instructed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to formally communicate the minister’s directive to foreign airlines, with enforcement slated to begin on January 1, 2025. The document, dated October 15, 2024, was signed by H.E. Ejibunu, a director acting on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the ministry.

The memo stated: “I am directed by the Minister of Aviation to convey to you his decision to mandate all outbound flights from Nigeria, particularly foreign airlines, to engage local caterers for onboard meals. This directive must be strictly adhered to by January 1, 2025.”

When asked to comment on the directive, Kingsley Nwokoma, President of the Association of Foreign Airlines in Nigeria, welcomed the development. He noted that most foreign airlines had already begun sourcing onboard meals from NCAA-approved local food vendors. Nwokoma added, “Perhaps the directive was issued for emphasis, as many foreign airlines have already been lifting meals from our local, NCAA-approved vendors. This move further supports the promotion of our local delicacies and content, and foreign airlines are largely in compliance.”

Nwokoma affirmed that local airlines could corroborate this shift, underscoring the value of promoting Nigerian culinary offerings aboard international flights.