Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, says the federal government will soon introduce a bill that will make it compulsory for public officials to fly Nigerian airlines on international routes.
Keyamo made the announcement on Sunday during the send-off ceremony of Air Peace’s first direct flight from Abuja to London Heathrow Airport.
The minister revealed that the proposed legislation, tagged the “Fly Nigerian Act,” will require every government official to use local airlines for foreign trips — provided the route is already served by a Nigerian carrier.
Lawmakers, Air Peace Chairman Attend Launch Event
The event at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, was attended by Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace.
“We are going to bring the bill on the Fly Nigerian Act to him (Benjamin Kalu). He will pass it,” Keyamo said confidently.
According to the minister, the proposed law will mirror international best practices. He explained that major countries such as the United States and India already have similar laws protecting their national carriers.
“We have the Fly America Act and the Fly India Act,” he said.
“These laws exist globally, but Nigeria has yet to implement its version.”
Law to Prioritize Local Airlines on International Routes
Keyamo emphasized that the new law will ensure government officials support domestic airlines before foreign ones.
“If a senator, minister, or any public official is travelling abroad, the first question should be — is there a Nigerian airline flying that route?” he said.
“You must buy that ticket first, except if there’s no local airline on that route.”
He said the Fly Nigerian Act would not only promote economic patriotism but also help build trust and sustainability in the local aviation sector.
Aviation Ministry Pledges Commitment
Keyamo assured that his ministry is working with lawmakers to ensure that the bill is passed quickly. He described the initiative as a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation industry and boost investor confidence in domestic carriers.
“This is how we can make our airlines stronger and more competitive globally,” he added.
The proposal has been welcomed by many in the aviation industry as a potential game-changer for local airlines, especially Air Peace, which continues to expand its international footprint.