FG Mandates Use Of Nigerian Caterers By Foreign Airlines

The federal government has directed all outbound flights from Nigeria, particularly foreign airlines, to source their on-board meals from local caterers starting January 1, 2025.
This new regulation was outlined in a memo titled: “Directive of the Hon. Minister to Foreign Airlines on On-Board Meals,” dated October 15, 2024. The memo was issued by H.T. Ejibunu, Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, and addressed to the acting director general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The directive is based on the decision of Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, tasking the NCAA with ensuring compliance from all foreign airlines operating in Nigeria.
“I am directed by the Honourable Minister of Aviation to convey to you his decision to mandate all outbound flights from Nigeria, especially foreign airlines, to patronize local caterers for on-board meals,” the memo read. “Consequently, you are hereby directed to convey the decision to all foreign airlines for strict compliance beginning from 1st January 2025.”
Following the release of the memo, Festus Keyamo, posted further clarification on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday. He stressed that the mandate does not require foreign airlines to serve Nigerian dishes but only ensures that local caterers provide the meals.
He explained that Nigerian caterers are fully equipped to prepare a range of continental and international cuisines tailored to the specifications of foreign airlines.
“The age-long practice of bringing meals frozen from their countries and warming them for service on outbound flights to mostly Nigerian citizens is no longer acceptable,” Keyamo said.
He reassured airlines of Nigeria’s ability to maintain high standards, noting that local quality control agencies will ensure the hygiene and safety of meals prepared by Nigerian caterers.
Keyamo also argued that if Nigeria accepts imported meals on international flights, the same level of trust should be extended to meals vetted locally.
“We must support our local businesses with our huge population and traffic. Other caterers from abroad should not benefit from what should contribute to the local economy,” he added.
The directive reflects the government’s push to promote local businesses and boost the domestic economy by redirecting opportunities within the aviation sector. Keyamo emphasised that the new regulation aligns with the government’s economic strategy to ensure Nigeria’s economic interests are prioritised.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will oversee the implementation and compliance of the mandate, ensuring all outbound flights from Nigeria adhere to the new regulation.
This move is expected to reduce the dependency on imported catering services while offering a significant boost to the local catering industry. Airlines will be required to engage Nigerian firms for all meal services, marking a shift in the operational practices of foreign carriers flying out of Nigeria.