The Federal Government plans to introduce a law requiring government officials to use Nigerian airlines for international travel whenever possible.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the proposal dubbed the Fly Nigerian Action Sunday during the send-off of Air Peace’s inaugural Abuja–London Heathrow flight.
Keyamo explained that the bill would mandate all public officials, including ministers and legislators, to patronize Nigerian carriers on routes they operate. Exceptions would only apply if no local airline flies that route.
He noted that similar laws exist in other countries, such as the Fly America Act and Fly India Act, which promote national airlines. “We must support our own,” he said, adding that the ministry is committed to ensuring the law’s passage.
Nigeria currently has about 23 domestic airlines, but Air Peace is the only one operating international routes.
