In a bold move to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has proposed the Fly Nigeria Act, a policy that would mandate government officials to prioritize Nigerian airlines for official trips. Keyamo unveiled the proposal during the annual Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja, highlighting the need for tailored policies to support Nigeria’s private sector-driven aviation landscape.
Unlike countries such as Rwanda, South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco, where national carriers enjoy heavy government subsidies, Nigeria’s aviation sector is fully driven by private enterprise. Keyamo emphasized the need to implement policies that protect and promote local operators, who play a critical role in keeping Nigeria’s skies active and its aviation ecosystem alive.
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“In Nigeria, we have 100% private participation in aviation,” Keyamo stated. “Our policies must support local operators who keep our skies and ecosystem alive.”
At the heart of these efforts is the proposed Fly Nigeria Act, which is set to be presented to the National Assembly. The Act will require all government-funded official travel to be undertaken using Nigerian airlines except when no local carrier operates on a given route.
“We are in the process of pushing the Fly Nigeria Act to the National Assembly,” Keyamo revealed. “There is a Fly America Act and a Fly India Act. Most major countries have their own version of a ‘Fly Act’ to promote their national airlines. Nigeria deserves no less.”
According to Keyamo, the Act is not just about aviation; it’s a strategic economic policy aimed at strengthening the country’s private sector and contributing to President Bola Tinubu’s vision of a $1 trillion economy.
“This will be enacted as a law,” Keyamo explained. “It aims to further boost business within the country, contributing to the economic growth President Tinubu envisions.”
Keyamo also highlighted recent milestones in supporting local airlines, citing the new code-sharing agreement between Emirates and Nigeria’s Air Peace as a direct result of the government’s efforts. The deal allows passengers to purchase a single ticket from Calabar to Dubai via Air Peace and Emirates, enhancing convenience while strengthening local operators.
“Through diplomatic efforts, we brokered a deal that strengthens our local airlines while aligning with our five-point agenda to boost their capacity and ensure adherence to international standards,” Keyamo said.
Despite the optimism, Keyamo acknowledged the persistent challenges in Nigeria’s aviation sector, including high operational costs and limited access to financing. However, he expressed confidence that policies like the Fly Nigeria Act would pave the way for innovation and growth.
“Our private sector-driven model presents unique challenges, but it also offers immense opportunities,” he noted. “The Fly Nigeria Act is a bold move to create an enabling environment where our local operators can thrive.”
Keyamo concluded by underscoring the importance of collaboration between the government and private sector stakeholders. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to implementing policies that reflect Nigeria’s unique aviation landscape, ensuring sustainability and global competitiveness.
“We will continue to prioritize policies that support our private sector-driven model,” Keyamo said. “Our goal is to create a sustainable and competitive aviation industry that benefits all Nigerians.”
The introduction of the Fly Nigeria Act signals a transformative step in Nigeria’s aviation policy, with the potential to reshape the industry while driving economic growth. As the proposal moves toward the National Assembly, stakeholders eagerly await its passage and the promise it holds for Nigeria’s aviation future.