Mixed reactions as government orders foreign airlines to serve locally catered meals

The Nigerian aviation sector is abuzz following a bold directive from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, mandating foreign airlines to source their in-flight meals from local caterers.

The order, which takes effect on January 1, 2025, aims to boost local businesses and enhance the quality of services provided to passengers flying out of Nigeria.

The directive was issued through a letter dated October 15, 2024, addressed to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and signed by H.T. Ejibunu, Director overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary. The letter emphasizes that all outbound flights, particularly foreign airlines, must comply with the new rule.

“I am directed by the Honourable Minister of Aviation to convey his decision to mandate all outbound flights from Nigeria, especially foreign airlines, to patronize local caterers for on-board meals,” the letter stated.

This move is seen as a significant step to unlock the untapped potential in Nigeria’s in-flight catering market, which, according to industry analysis by Fact.MR, was valued at $17.8 billion in 2023 and is expected to soar to $30.2 billion by 2033. Despite this growth, many foreign airlines still sideline local caterers by flying in pre-prepared meals from abroad, leading to missed economic opportunities for Nigerian businesses.

Minister Keyamo’s directive comes in response to numerous complaints from passengers about the quality of meals served by foreign airlines, with some of the food reportedly being flown into Nigeria frozen and reheated for return flights.

Read also

• SMEDAN begins ₦5 billion grant disbursement to support student entrepreneurs
• China cautions that global trade war will impact African SMEs, investment
• FG approves N120bn for vocational education, targets 650,000 youths
• Umo Eno empowers 655 small business owners, farmers in Ikot Ekpene with ₦260m support
• Fire guts shops in Kano’s Kurmi market

An official from a foreign airline, who spoke anonymously, explained that while the use of frozen meals was common during the pandemic, most major airlines now rely on local caterers. “The only time airlines were coming with frozen meals was during and after COVID. Carrying return meals also creates weight issues. In reality, most airlines already use local caterers like Newrest, ServAir, LSG, and Skycare,” the official noted.

Supporting this claim, Dr. Kingsley Nwokoma, President of the Association of Foreign Airlines Representatives in Nigeria (AFARN), suggested that the minister’s directive was a reaffirmation of an existing practice. “Many of these catering companies already serve the major airlines. I believe the minister is simply reinforcing the need for greater engagement with local caterers,” Nwokoma said. He further praised the move, stating, “Encouraging local catering companies is a positive step. Many of the passengers are Nigerian, and incorporating local cuisine could enhance the overall in-flight experience.”

Aviation expert Olumide Ohunayo, General Secretary of the Aviation Roundtable, welcomed the directive as a “commendable decision,” noting that it had been a key topic at a recent stakeholders’ meeting. Ohunayo believes that if the policy is properly implemented, it could generate jobs and stimulate economic growth in Nigeria’s catering sector. “This is about putting Nigeria first. The focus should now be on ensuring that the quality of meals meets international standards,” he added.

As the implementation date approaches, industry stakeholders are keen to see how this directive will reshape the landscape of in-flight services, create new business opportunities, and set a higher standard for passenger experience across Nigerian skies.