The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has presented its proposed Fly Nigeria Act and related legislation aimed at bolstering indigenous flag carriers and creating a sustainable aviation industry.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement event in Abuja, the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (SAN) underscored the need for government-backed support of Nigerian airlines. He emphasised that all government-funded trips must prioritise Nigerian flag carriers over foreign airlines, marking a decisive step toward developing a competitive aviation market.
“Every government-funded trip – whether local, regional, international or continental – must first utilise Nigerian flag carriers before considering foreign airlines,” Keyamo stated. He added that even for connecting flights, passengers must fly the first leg with Nigerian carriers where available.
Keyamo explained that the proposed legislation seeks to create a market for Nigerian airlines, even in cases where routes do not currently exist, positioning the country’s aviation sector as a viable competitor in the global market.
The minister highlighted the global challenges facing African aviation, citing the dominance of foreign airlines in African markets.
“Foreign carriers such as Air France, Delta and British Airways dominate the African aviation market, benefiting from a lack of fair competition. This results in significant capital flight from countries like Nigeria. It is crucial for stakeholders to act strategically to reclaim our market share,” he said.
While acknowledging the contributions of foreign airlines, Keyamo stressed that Nigerian operators must rise to the challenge of competing effectively once the bill is passed.
Keyamo announced the establishment of a technical committee to finalise the Fly Nigeria Act. The committee, which will include former directors-general of the NCAA, legal experts and representatives from aviation agencies and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), is expected to complete the draft bill within two to four weeks.
The minister also outlined resolutions from the stakeholder engagement, which include:
- Adoption of the Fly Nigeria Act.
- Legislative and stakeholder support.
- Infrastructure development.
- Capacity building.
- Monitoring and evaluation.
- Public awareness campaigns.
In his remarks, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole explained that the proposed bill aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering the growth of indigenous airlines.
“The draft bill encourages the use of Nigerian airlines for official travel, ensuring affordability, quality service and competitiveness. This initiative will strengthen the aviation sector, create jobs and contribute to economic growth,” Meribole stated.
He added that the bill is a bold step toward enhancing safety, capacity, and efficiency within the aviation sector, positioning Nigeria for long-term development.
The vice president of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Dr. Allen Onyema described the bill as a transformative initiative, stating:
“In the past 12 months, we’ve witnessed revolutionary changes in the aviation industry. This act will conserve foreign exchange, boost local airline capacity, and create jobs. It will also significantly reduce capital flight.”
Onyema commended the federal government and the minister for their leadership, noting that global stakeholders are taking notice of Nigeria’s aviation reforms.
Legal expert Olisa Agbakoba, represented by Barrister Osita Okoro, highlighted the bill’s comprehensive structure, comprising three parts and 21 sections. However, he called for stronger enforcement mechanisms and legislative advocacy to ensure its effectiveness.
Director of legal services at the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Amichi Temitope described the bill as a milestone in fostering national unity and economic development.
“This initiative strengthens local content, boosts domestic airlines, and ensures Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage,” Temitope said.
The chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo praised the minister’s efforts, noting that the bill is already generating positive momentum within the industry.
“After this meeting, several lessors have expressed support for the bill, which is a testament to its potential impact,” Okonkwo revealed.
He added that Nigerian airlines prioritise customer satisfaction, adhering to NCAA standards, even offering discounts to passengers affected by flight delays or cancellations.
The Fly Nigeria Act has been in development for over 15 years and under Keyamo’s tenure, it is expected to become a reality. The initiative aims to establish a robust, competitive and sustainable aviation sector, ensuring that Nigerian airlines not only compete globally but also serve as catalysts for economic growth and national pride.
The ministry has committed to fast-tracking the legislative process, with the technical committee expected to submit the finalised draft within a month. Public awareness campaigns and collaboration with industry stakeholders will follow to ensure the successful implementation of the act.
This bold move signifies a turning point for Nigeria’s aviation industry, setting the stage for greater connectivity, local capacity building and economic development.
