Nigeria’s Aviation Minister Pushes for Implementation of Fly Nigeria Bill
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the long-overdue Fly Nigeria Bill during his tenure. Reported by Business Day, the bill seeks to mandate the use of Nigerian-flagged airlines for all government-funded air travel, encompassing personnel, contractors, and grantees.
Speaking at a conference focused on the Cape Town Convention and Aircraft Protocol Implementation in Abuja, Keyamo announced that the Fly Nigeria Bill has progressed to the draft stage. He expressed strong determination to expedite its passage, highlighting the critical need to revive stalled initiatives that could significantly bolster Nigeria’s aviation industry.
In a statement covered by Leadership, Keyamo, representing Vice-President Kashim Shettima, revealed that the Nigerian government has decided against providing bailout funding for domestic airlines. Instead, the administration is prioritizing the creation of favorable policies to ensure the long-term viability of local carriers. This policy shift comes amidst ongoing challenges faced by Nigerian airlines, including the devaluation of the naira and escalating aviation fuel costs, which have severely strained the sector.
Keyamo emphasized the importance of full compliance with the Cape Town Convention, a key international treaty that facilitates aircraft leasing and financing. By adhering to this convention, Nigerian airlines can gain better access to aircraft leases and penetrate international markets, thereby enhancing their operational capacity and financial stability.
“The Fly Nigeria Bill is not just a policy but a strategic move to ensure that our national carriers thrive and compete on a global stage. By requiring government-funded travel to utilize Nigerian airlines, we are fostering a supportive environment that can drive growth and sustainability in our aviation sector,” Keyamo stated.
The Fly Nigeria Bill, which has been in development for over 15 years, aims to create a robust framework that supports domestic airlines by ensuring steady demand through government contracts. This initiative is seen as a crucial step towards revitalizing Nigeria’s aviation industry, encouraging investment, and improving service standards.
As Nigeria grapples with economic pressures and rising operational costs in the aviation sector, the implementation of the Fly Nigeria Bill is viewed as a pivotal measure to stabilize and grow the industry. By prioritizing Nigerian airlines for government travel, the government aims to provide these carriers with the necessary support to navigate current challenges and achieve sustainable growth.
Keyamo’s advocacy for the Fly Nigeria Bill underscores the government’s strategic approach to strengthening the national aviation framework. With the bill moving forward, stakeholders within the industry remain hopeful that these efforts will lead to significant improvements in the performance and competitiveness of Nigerian airlines on both domestic and international fronts.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com