There is a Fly America Act, and I believe there is also a Fly India Act. Most major countries have their own ‘Fly Act’ to promote their national airlines. Only when a local airline does not operate on a particular route can an international airline be used.
BY ANTHONY OMOH
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has proposed tailored aviation policies to support Nigeria’s private sector-driven aviation landscape. Speaking at the annual Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja, Keyamo announced the proposed Fly Nigeria Act, a policy mandating government officials to prioritize local airlines for official trips.
“In Nigeria, we have 100% private participation in aviation,” Keyamo said. “Unlike Rwandair, South African Air, Egypt Air, and Moroccan Air, which are heavily subsidized by their governments, our policies must support local operators who keep our skies and ecosystem alive.”
Fly Nigeria Act: A Game-Changer for Local Airlines
The Fly Nigeria Act, one of such proposed tailored aviation policies, set to be presented to the National Assembly, will require all government-funded official trips to be taken using Nigerian airlines. Only when a local airline does not operate on a particular route can an international airline be used.
“We are in the process of pushing the Fly Nigeria Act to the National Assembly,” Keyamo said. “There is a Fly America Act, and I believe there is also a Fly India Act. Most major countries have their own ‘Fly Act’ to promote their national airlines.”
“Only when a local airline does not operate on a particular route can an international airline be used,” he explained.
Keyamo explained that the Act is not just an aviation policy but a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s economy. “This will be enacted as a law,” he added. “It aims to further boost business within the country, contributing to the $1 trillion economy that President Bola Tinubu envisions.”
The minister emphasized that the Fly Nigeria Act aligns with the government’s five-point agenda to boost local airline capacity while adhering to international standards.
He also revealed that the federal government’s focus on supporting local airlines has yielded positive results, including the recent code-sharing agreement between Emirates and Nigeria’s Air Peace.
“Through diplomatic efforts, we brokered a deal that allows passengers to purchase a single ticket from Calabar to Dubai via Air Peace and Emirates,” he explained. “This partnership strengthens our local operators and aligns with our five-point agenda to boost local airline capacity while adhering to international standards.”
Challenges, Opportunities, and the Path Forward
Keyamo acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigeria’s aviation sector, including high operational costs and limited access to financing. However, he expressed optimism about the sector’s potential for growth, citing the Fly Nigeria Act as a critical step forward.
“Our private sector-driven model presents unique challenges, but it also offers opportunities for innovation and growth,” he said. “The Fly Nigeria Act is a bold move to create an enabling environment for local operators to thrive.”
The minister also stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and private sector stakeholders. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing policies that reflect Nigeria’s unique aviation environment.
“We will continue to prioritize policies that support our private sector-driven model,” Keyamo said. “Our goal is to create a sustainable and competitive aviation industry that benefits all Nigerians.”
Keyamo’s announcement of the Fly Nigeria Act underscores the government’s determination to address challenges in the aviation sector. By fostering partnerships and implementing tailored policies, Nigeria aims to strengthen its position in the global aviation industry while contributing to the President’s vision of a $1 trillion economy.
