The Federal Government has directed all outbound flights from Nigeria, particularly foreign airlines, to patronise local caterers for their on-board meals, with effect from January 1, 2025.
The directive was contained in a memo titled “Directive of the Hon. Minister to Foreign Airlines on On-Board Meals,” dated October 15, 2024 and signed by H.T. Ejibunu, Director in the Office of the Permanent Secretary, and addressed to the Acting Director-general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The memo conveyed the decision of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, directing the NCAA to ensure that all foreign airlines comply with the new regulation.
“I am directed by the Honourable Minister of Aviation to convey to you his decision to mandate all out-bound flights from Nigeria, especially foreign airlines to patronize 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,” the memo read.
In a follow-up clarification posted on his official X account on Wednesday, Keyamo, noted that while the directive does not compel foreign airlines to serve Nigerian dishes, it strictly mandates them to engage Nigerian caterers.
The minister further clarified that local caterers are fully equipped to prepare continental and international meals tailored to the airlines’ specific requirements.
“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,” Keyamo stated.
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.
Keyamo further argued that if foreign airlines expect Nigeria to trust the quality of imported meals served on flights, they should also trust Nigeria’s vetting process for meals prepared locally.
He highlighted the importance of supporting local businesses, stating, “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.”
The NCAA is expected to oversee the implementation of the new mandate, ensuring compliance from all airlines operating outbound flights from Nigeria.
