Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has unveiled plans to introduce a “Fly Nigerian Act” a law that would compel all government officials to travel on Nigerian-owned airlines for international trips whenever possible.

Keyamo made the announcement on Sunday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, during a ceremonial send-off for Air Peace’s inaugural direct flight from Abuja to London Heathrow Airport. The event was attended by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema.

Speaking at the event, the minister said the proposed bill would soon be presented to the National Assembly for consideration.

“We are going to bring the bill on the Fly Nigerian Air to him (Benjamin Kalu). He will pass it,” Keyamo said confidently.

He explained that the law would require every government official travelling abroad to patronise a Nigerian carrier if one operates on the designated route except where no local airline flies that route.

“The Fly Nigerian Air is to mandate every government official travelling abroad to patronise our local airlines if they are flying that route first, except there is no local airline flying that route,” he said.

Keyamo noted that the proposal mirrors international best practices, referencing similar laws in other countries.

“We have these laws all over the world. There is a Fly American Act and a Fly India Act. But we don’t have a Fly Nigerian Act. We want to bring it here,” he added.

He further explained that under the proposed law, government officials including ministers, legislators, and heads of agencies would be obligated to choose Nigerian airlines for any foreign destination covered by a local carrier.

“If a government official, member of the House of Representatives, member of the Senate, Minister, DG, or any government official is flying to any part of the world, the first question you ask them is: is there a Nigerian airline flying that route? You must buy that airline ticket first, except they are not flying that route. That is the Fly Nigerian Act that we want to do,” Keyamo explained.

The minister said the initiative aims to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector, promote national pride, and ensure that public funds directly support indigenous airlines.

“We are fully committed to ensuring the passage of this bill. It will not only support our local airlines but also project our national identity across the skies,” Keyamo affirmed.