Minister Of Aviation Urges Airlines To Use Local Caterers For On-Board Meals.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has issued a directive to airlines, urging them to patronise local caterers for the preparation of on-board meals. The directive, announced via the Minister’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, aims to support local businesses and ensure that the benefits of Nigeria’s large population and air traffic are channelled into the country’s economy.
Keyamo clarified that the directive does not mean airlines are required to serve traditional Nigerian dishes, but rather that local caterers are capable of preparing any meal according to the airlines’ specifications, including continental dishes. He emphasised that the long-standing practice of airlines bringing frozen meals from other countries to be served on outbound flights to Nigerian passengers is no longer acceptable.
“We have quality control agencies to supervise the hygienic nature of those meals, if that is their concern,” the Minister stated. He added that if airlines expect Nigerians to trust the quality of food brought in from other countries, they should equally trust Nigeria’s process of vetting meals prepared by local caterers.
Keyamo highlighted the importance of supporting local businesses, particularly given Nigeria’s large market. The move is intended to stimulate the local economy, ensuring that benefits which should accrue to Nigeria do not go to foreign caterers.
The Minister’s directive underscores the government’s commitment to boosting local enterprise while maintaining high standards of quality and hygiene in airline catering services.
