Festus Keyamo, minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has proposed legislation requiring Nigerian government officials to fly on a domestic airline for international trips whenever an equivalent route is available locally.
He announced this plan during the inauguration of Air Peace’s direct flight from Abuja to London Heathrow, an event attended by the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and the airline’s chairman, Allen Onyema.
Under the proposed “Fly Nigerian Air” bill, public office-holders—including senators, ministers, directors-general and other government travellers—would be required to book on Nigerian airlines first, except when no Nigerian carrier flies the relevant route.
Keyamo cited examples of foreign countries with similar laws, such as the “Fly American Act” and “Fly India Act,” saying Nigeria must adopt its version to support local carriers.
He underscored his ministry’s commitment to seeing the legislation presented to the House and passed, emphasising that the first question for a government traveller should be: “Is there a Nigerian airline on this route?”—and if so, that must be the ticket purchased.
