The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has confirmed that the Fly Nigeria Act will soon be enacted into law under his leadership.
Keyamo expressed his concern that, despite being proposed over 15 years ago, the document, which mandates that government-financed air travel for officials, contractors, grantees, and government-owned properties be carried by Nigerian flag carriers, has yet to come to fruition.
At a one-day “Stakeholders’ Engagement on the Legal Framework for the Fly Nigeria Bill and Related Enabling Legislation” in Abuja, Keyamo stated that he is determined to rally key stakeholders to ensure the Bill is signed into law.
Vice President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria and Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, along with the Association’s spokesperson, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a new era for the country’s aviation sector and domestic airlines.
In his address, Keyamo reflected on the long history of the bill: “This has been on the cards for many years, more than 15 years. My predecessor, Chief Omotoba, served over 15 years ago, and this bill was presented to the council then but never saw the light of day. Under my tenure, it will happen.”
Keyamo further expressed his intention to address long-standing issues within Nigeria’s aviation sector, saying, “We are here to get things done. When I assumed office, I found several proposals on my desk, such as the Cape Town Convention and plans for developing the indigenous industry. We have revived these initiatives, including the Fly Nigeria Act, which Olisa Agbakoba had also discussed with me.”
He also highlighted what he described as a global conspiracy against African airlines, noting that foreign carriers dominate the African market without adequate competition from local airlines. “In a big country like Nigeria, foreign airlines continue to dominate, ensuring they benefit from the market while local airlines struggle. This must change,” Keyamo stated.
The minister confirmed that the technical preparations for the bill’s passage are underway, with the National Assembly members awaiting its arrival. “We have agreed in principle that this bill is good for us, especially for local operators,” he added.