FG to Mandate Public Officials to Fly Nigerian Airlines on International Routes

The federal government is set to introduce a new law that will require all public officials to fly Nigerian airlines on international routes where such services are available. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the proposed legislation, titled the “Fly Nigerian Act,” during the ceremonial send-off of Air Peace’s inaugural direct flight from Abuja to London Heathrow Airport on Sunday.

The event, held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, was attended by Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace.

Keyamo said the ministry would present the bill to the National Assembly through Kalu, expressing confidence that it would be passed. He explained that the law would require every government official traveling abroad to use Nigerian carriers on any route serviced by local airlines, noting that this aligns with global practices aimed at protecting national carriers.

According to him, countries like the United States and India already have similar policies—the “Fly America Act” and the “Fly India Act”—to promote their domestic airlines. He emphasized that adopting such a measure in Nigeria would support local aviation growth and enhance public confidence in indigenous carriers.

Keyamo reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the bill’s passage, describing it as a key step toward strengthening Nigeria’s aviation industry. He also disclosed that the federal government plans to revamp Terminal One of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos using gains from the removal of fuel subsidies.