By Abubakar Yunusa
Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, has warned that foreign airlines operating in Nigeria will not receive approval for their summer schedules unless they partner with local caterers for onboard meal services.
On October 15, 2024, Keyamo directed foreign airlines operating in Nigeria to patronise local caterers for onboard meal services.
He instructed all foreign airlines to ensure strict compliance beginning January 1, 2025.
The minister added that the policy is aimed at boosting Nigeria’s local economy.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, the minister raised concerns over the lack of patronage of Nigerian catering services by foreign airlines operating in the country.
“I will not approve the summer schedule for foreign airlines until I see an agreement showing they have partnered with our local caterers for onboard meals,” Keyamo said.
He also said Maiduguri airport was undergoing an upgrade to become the first international airport in the north-east.
The minister urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to further streamline the AOC issuance process, suggesting that approvals could potentially be granted within 24 hours if feasible.
Also speaking, Olubunmi Kuku, managing director (MD) of FAAN, said runway friction tests and de-rubberisation have been a top priority to enhance safety across the country’s airports.
“Over the past 12 months, we have been extremely consistent in our efforts to maintain clean runways. We have also deployed additional equipment for friction testing,” she said.
Kuku noted that while FAAN had made progress in wildlife management, challenges such as bird strikes remained.
Highlighting achievements in 2024, the MD cited the recertification of several airports and the rehabilitation of Hajj terminals in Maiduguri, Kano, Abuja, Ilorin, Katsina, and other locations, with ongoing work in Lagos.
Kuku added that FAAN had embarked on electrification projects, particularly in Lagos, to tackle recurring power outages.
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