The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has directed foreign airlines to patronize local caterers for their in-flight meals.
This directive was announced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, in a letter signed by Mr. Hassan Ejibunu, the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, and addressed to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on October 15.
The new regulation is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.
In the letter, Ejibunu stated: “I am directed by the Minister of Aviation to convey his decision mandating all outbound flights from Nigeria, particularly foreign airlines, to utilize local caterers for on-board meals. You are hereby instructed to inform all foreign airlines of this decision for strict compliance starting from January 1, 2025.”
In a related development, Tunde Moshood, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, confirmed the authenticity of the directive, stating: “Although it is true, the information was leaked following a courtesy visit by a delegate from Lufthansa.”