The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has proposed the introduction of a law that would require government officials to patronize Nigerian airlines when traveling on international routes.
Keyamo made the proposal during the ceremonial send-off of Air Peace’s inaugural direct flight from Abuja to London Heathrow Airport.
The event, held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, was attended by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and the Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, among other dignitaries.
Speaking at the occasion, Keyamo announced that the Federal Government would soon introduce a bill to be known as the Fly Nigerian Act. The proposed legislation, he said, aims to promote the growth of local carriers, strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector, and ensure that government expenditure on air travel contributes directly to the nation’s economy.
The minister noted that several countries already operate similar laws to support their national carriers and stressed that Nigeria must follow suit if it wants its airlines to compete globally.
He added that the government remains committed to creating a favorable environment for indigenous airlines to thrive, improve safety standards, and expand their international operations.
The launch of Air Peace’s Abuja–London route marks another milestone in Nigeria’s aviation history, as the airline becomes one of the few African carriers operating direct flights to the United Kingdom.
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