Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has clarified his recent directive for international airlines to use local caterers for onboard meals on outbound flights starting January 1, 2025. In a statement shared on his X account, Keyamo emphasized that airlines are not required to serve Nigerian dishes, but must source catering services from within Nigeria. Local caterers can prepare any meal specified by the airlines, including continental dishes.
Keyamo criticized the long-standing practice of airlines reheating frozen meals for Nigerian passengers, calling it unacceptable. He reassured airlines that Nigeria’s quality control organizations can ensure the safety and hygiene of meals prepared by local businesses, stressing that the move is aimed at supporting Nigeria’s economy.
The minister emphasized mutual trust, stating that if foreign airlines expect Nigeria to trust the food they bring in, they should also trust Nigeria’s process of vetting local caterers. The initiative aims to boost local businesses and ensure that economic benefits remain within the country, rather than allowing foreign caterers to profit from opportunities that should support the Nigerian economy.
