Nigeria Moves to Mandate Local Airlines for Government Trips with Fly Nigeria Act

The Nigerian government is set to introduce the Fly Nigeria Act to the National Assembly, a policy designed to prioritize local airlines for official travel.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made this known on Thursday during the 2025 ministerial press briefing in Abuja.

He stated that the legislation, once enacted, would compel government-funded trips to be conducted exclusively on Nigerian carriers, except where no local airline operates on a required route. According to Keyamo, the initiative is more than an aviation reform—it is a strategic economic move aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s economy.

“This is not just about aviation; it is a deliberate policy to grow our economy,” Keyamo asserted. “The Fly America Act exists in the U.S., and India has a similar framework. Now, Nigeria will have its own version to support indigenous airlines.”

He emphasized that the proposed law aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s ambition of driving Nigeria towards a $1 trillion economy, with aviation playing a pivotal role in that vision.

“The draft of the Fly Nigeria Act is nearly complete,” Keyamo revealed. “It will stimulate business activities within the country, ensuring that government spending benefits the local aviation industry.”

Earlier, the minister highlighted significant milestones achieved in the aviation sector under the Tinubu administration, reinforcing the government’s commitment to transforming the industry.