Keyamo Sets Record Straight on Airline Catering Rule

Patronize Nigerian Caterers, Keyamo Tells Foreign Airlines

“This is to clarify that directing foreign airlines on out-bound flights to patronise our local caterers is not the...”

Minister Keyamo sheds light on directive for foreign airlines to use Nigerian caterers, enhancing local industry growth.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has clarified the recent directive issued to foreign airlines regarding the use of local catering services for outbound flights. The directive, which takes effect on January 1, 2025, requires foreign airlines to patronize local caterers for on-board meals. However, Keyamo emphasized that this doesn't mean foreign airlines are mandated to serve local Nigerian dishes. Instead, local caterers can prepare any meal, including continental dishes, based on the airlines' specifications.

This move is consistent with the principles of reciprocity outlined in the bilateral air services agreement (BASA). Keyamo had previously urged Qatar Airways to patronize local catering services on its return trips from Nigeria. The minister expressed surprise that foreign carriers carry two-way meals to Nigeria, which may constitute additional weight to the aircraft, consuming more fuel, and potentially serving stale meals.

The directive is aimed at promoting local businesses and reducing costs for foreign airlines. Many foreign operators already patronize local catering services, citing satisfaction with the meals served to their customers. This initiative is expected to boost the Nigerian economy and provide opportunities for local caterers to showcase their expertise.

Highlights:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2025
• Requirement: Foreign airlines must patronize local caterers for on-board meals
• Flexibility: Local caterers can prepare any meal, including continental dishes, based on airlines' specifications.

“This is to clarify that directing foreign airlines on out-bound flights to patronise our local caterers is not the same thing as directing them to serve local dishes. Our local caterers can also prepare continental dishes or anyone for that matter according to their own specification,” he said.

Minister Festus Keyamo has put his foot down on the decades-long practice of international airlines importing frozen meals from their home countries, only to reheat and serve them to Nigerian passengers. He's made it clear that this is no longer acceptable. Instead, Keyamo wants airlines to patronize local caterers, emphasizing that quality control agencies are in place to guarantee the hygienic preparation of meals, effectively addressing concerns about food safety.

The minister's stance is a significant shift towards promoting local businesses and ensuring that Nigerian passengers receive fresh, wholesome meals. With quality control measures in place, airlines can confidently partner with local caterers to provide a wide range of cuisine options, from traditional Nigerian dishes to international flavors.

Benefits of Local Catering

Boost to Local Economy: By patronizing local caterers, airlines will be injecting funds into the Nigerian economy.

Fresh Meals: Passengers will enjoy freshly prepared meals, rather than reheated frozen food.

Cultural Exchange: Local cuisine will be showcased, promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

Keyamo's directive is a welcome move towards empowering local businesses and enhancing the overall passenger experience.

“The age-long practice of bringing their meals frozen from their different countries and then warming and serving them on their outbound flights to mostly our own citizens is no longer acceptable. We also have quality control agencies to supervise the hygienic nature of those meals, if that is their concern, the minister emphasized.

Minister Festus Keyamo is championing a game-changing initiative in Nigeria's aviation sector. He's emphasizing that if foreign airlines expect Nigerians to trust the quality of meals imported into the country, they should also have faith in the vetting process of meals prepared by local Nigerian caterers. This reciprocal approach aims to promote trust and support for local businesses.

Empowering Local Businesses

Keyamo is passionate about harnessing Nigeria's massive population and significant air traffic to boost the local economy. He believes that the benefits of air traffic should stay within the country, rather than lining the pockets of foreign caterers. By supporting local caterers, Nigeria can:

Stimulate Economic Growth: Inject funds into the local economy

Promote Cultural Exchange: Showcase Nigerian cuisine to international passengers

Enhance Passenger Experience: Serve fresh, wholesome meals

This vision aligns with Keyamo's overall mission to transform Nigeria's aviation sector, as highlighted in his journey to conquer the “aviation wizards” and pave the way for a brighter future.

“On the flip side, if they want us to trust the quality of the food they bring into our country to serve our own citizens, then they also should trust our own process of vetting those meals made by our local caterers. The bottom line is that we must support our local businesses with our huge population and traffic, but other caterers from other climes should not benefit from what should essentially be to the benefit of our local economy,” Keyamo said.

The Federal Government is doubling down on its efforts to empower local industries and foster economic self-reliance, and the minister's statement is the latest push in this direction. This initiative aims to reduce Nigeria's dependence on foreign entities and create a more sustainable economy by promoting local businesses and entrepreneurship.

Some key benefits of this approach include:

Job Creation: Supporting local industries can lead to the creation of new job opportunities, which is essential for Nigeria's growing population.

Innovation: Local businesses can drive innovation, leading to the development of new products and services tailored to the Nigerian market.

Economic Growth: By retaining wealth within the country, local industries can contribute to Nigeria's economic growth and development.

This move is part of a broader strategy to diversify Nigeria's economy and reduce its vulnerability to external factors. By investing in local industries, the government hopes to build a more resilient economy that benefits Nigerian citizens and businesses alike.