The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, under the directive of Mr. Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has issued a mandate for foreign airlines to engage local catering services for their in-flight meals.
This directive, communicated through a letter signed by Mr. Hassan Ejibunu, Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, and addressed to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on October 15, is scheduled to be enforced from January 1, 2025.
In the formal communication, Ejibunu conveyed the Minister's decision, stating, "I am directed by the Minister of Aviation to convey his decision mandating all outbound flights from Nigeria, particularly foreign airlines, to utilize local caterers for on-board meals. You are hereby instructed to inform all foreign airlines of this decision for strict compliance starting from January 1, 2025."
Additionally, Tunde Moshood, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, verified the authenticity of the directive, acknowledging that the information was disclosed subsequent to a courtesy visit by a representative from Lufthansa.