FG Unveils ‘Fly Nigeria’ Bill to Boost Local Airlines and Promote Fair Competition
In a move to revitalize Nigeria’s aviation industry, Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has proposed the ‘Fly Nigeria Act.’ The legislation aims to empower domestic airlines, foster economic growth, and position the sector as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy.
Keyamo announced the initiative during a stakeholders’ engagement on Friday, emphasizing its potential to transform the nation’s aviation landscape
“The Fly Nigeria Act prioritizes Nigerian flag carriers for all government-funded travel, whether domestic, regional, or international,” Keyamo explained. “If you’re traveling to the US via London, and a Nigerian carrier operates the first leg, you must use that carrier before connecting to an international airline.”
The proposed legislation seeks to generate demand for Nigerian airlines, incentivize the development of new routes, and create a more competitive aviation market.
Keyamo revealed that the Fly Nigeria Act was first proposed over 15 years ago but failed to gain traction. He attributed this to global aeropolitics and a “conspiracy” aimed at stifling Nigeria’s aviation growth.
“There is a global conspiracy to undermine Nigeria’s aviation sector,” Keyamo said. “Foreign airlines feed on our traffic, ensuring that our domestic airlines struggle to grow. It’s time to level the playing field and create policies that promote fair competition.”
Highlighting the challenges faced by African and Nigerian airlines, Keyamo pointed to external forces that dominate the continent’s aviation markets.
“All the foreign airlines thrive on Africa’s markets without competition from African airlines. They ensure that the aviation sectors in countries like Nigeria remain stunted,” he said. “We thank foreign airlines for their partnership, but we must also develop our own airlines to compete fairly.”
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Keyamo expressed optimism that the Fly Nigeria Act would attract investors and lessors while fostering opportunities for domestic carriers to expand their routes. He also hinted at the potential for a national carrier once local operators are fully supported and thriving.
“This legislation is about creating an environment where Nigerian airlines can survive, compete, and represent us globally,” Keyamo concluded.
