The Federal Government is taking fresh steps to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation industry through a proposed law that would compel public officials to fly with Nigerian-owned airlines on international routes whenever possible.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this on Sunday during the ceremony marking Air Peace’s inaugural direct flight from Abuja to London Heathrow Airport.
Keyamo said the bill, tagged the “Fly Nigerian Act,” would mandate that all government officials patronise Nigerian carriers if those airlines operate on their intended routes. The only exception, he noted, would be when no local airline flies that destination.
He explained that the move was part of efforts to give domestic airlines a level playing field and build national pride around the country’s aviation sector.
“Every government official travelling abroad must first check if there’s a Nigerian airline flying that route. If there is, they must fly it,” Keyamo said. “This is how it is done in other countries. The United States has the Fly America Act, and India has the Fly India Act. We are simply catching up with global practice.”
Backing from Lawmakers and Industry Players
The announcement was made in the presence of Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, who both witnessed the historic Abuja–London flight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Keyamo said the ministry would formally present the bill to the National Assembly in the coming weeks, expressing confidence that lawmakers would back the proposal.
Kalu, on his part, commended the initiative, saying it represents a practical way to support Nigerian businesses while ensuring that government funds remain within the local economy rather than boosting foreign carriers.
Economic Implications for Nigerians
Industry experts believe the proposed Fly Nigerian Act could have a ripple effect on Nigeria’s economy. Increased patronage of local airlines is expected to stimulate competition, potentially leading to lower ticket prices for the average traveller.
Air Peace’s direct London route has already been hailed as a game changer, with ticket fares considerably cheaper than those of major international airlines. For many Nigerian travellers who have long struggled with high flight costs, this development signals a possible shift in affordability and accessibility.
In addition, higher patronage for Nigerian airlines could translate to more job opportunities within the aviation value chain, from technical crew to airport operations, while keeping foreign exchange circulating within the country.
Keyamo emphasised that such economic benefits were central to the ministry’s broader vision for the aviation sector, which includes improving passenger experience, enhancing aircraft maintenance facilities, and positioning Nigeria as a regional aviation hub.
“The Fly Nigerian Act is not just about patriotism; it’s about economics,” Keyamo said. “Every naira we spend abroad on foreign carriers is money leaving our economy. By flying Nigerian, we are investing in ourselves.”
If implemented effectively, the bill could reshape how Nigerians travel internationally while strengthening local airlines’ financial stability, a crucial step for an industry still recovering from years of underinvestment and foreign dominance.
