Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced plans to introduce a “Fly Nigerian Act”, a new law that would mandate government officials to patronise Nigerian airlines on international routes before considering foreign carriers.
Speaking on Sunday at the ceremonial send-off of Air Peace’s inaugural direct flight from Abuja to London Heathrow Airport, Keyamo said the proposed legislation would mirror similar laws in other countries that promote domestic airlines.
“We are going to bring the bill on the Fly Nigerian Air to him (Benjamin Kalu). He will pass it,” Keyamo said, referring to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who attended the event.
The minister noted that countries such as the United States and India already operate “Fly American” and “Fly India” acts to protect their national carriers.
“If a government official is flying abroad, the first question should be — is there a Nigerian airline flying that route? They must buy that ticket first unless no Nigerian carrier operates there,” he added.
Keyamo emphasised that the law would ensure that public funds support Nigerian businesses and strengthen the country’s aviation industry.
He assured that the Ministry of Aviation is working with the National Assembly to fast-track the bill’s passage, describing it as a patriotic and strategic policy to grow the aviation sector and boost confidence in Nigerian airlines.
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Hussaini Ibrahim