MINISTER OF AVIATION AND AEROSPACE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTS THE NCAA, TO ENFORCE THE PATRONAGE OF LOCAL CATERERS BY FOREIGN AIRLINES 01-03-25
By Sadiq Aminu. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, to enforce the patronage of local caterers by foreign airlines operating into the country.
The minister gave the directive following concerns over non-compliance and have vowed not to sign summer schedules submitted by the foreign airlines without evidence of a contract with local caterers to provide food services for their outbound flights.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Lagos, Mr. Keyamo emphasized that the policy is not about forcing airlines to serve traditional Nigerian dishes, but rather about supporting local businesses and promoting economic growth.
“I will not sign the summer schedule until you show me an agreement you have entered with a local caterer for your food. If you want to stop flying because of that, stop flying, air peace will start the route”.
“I’m not saying it must be amala, even if it’s Chinese rice, but they must do it”.
The policy is being enforced by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), with some airlines already complying and others requesting additional time to comply.
Responding, the Director General, Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo has assured the enforcement would commence immediately.
“If we don’t get feedbacks like this, how do we act? So, you have given us a feedback and we are going to go back on the field and make sure we make them comply”.
According to the DGCA, the agency will be taking a more proactive approach in monitoring and enforcing compliance with existing regulations.
This includes conducting on-site inspections to ensure that foreign airlines are indeed utilizing local catering services as required.