The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Tuesday asked foreign airlines to patronise local caterers for onboard meals.
Keyamo’s call was contained in a statement signed by Odutayo Oluseyi, the Head of Press and Public Affairs, at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
According to the statement, Keyamo stated this while receiving Lufthansa Group at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
The minister “mandated all aircraft leaving or coming into Nigeria to ensure they treat Nigerians well on board of their flights.”
“He said the essence of requesting local dishes during airlift is to promote Nigeria cultural heritage, and economic development and encourage local caterers,” the statement read.
“Keyamo appealed to foreign airlines to ensure all aircraft coming to Nigeria are in good shape. He decried the level at which some foreign airlines lift Nigerian Passengers with outdated aircraft while using the most modern ones in other countries.
“Keyamo informed the Lufthansa Group that the Nigeria government has upgraded Muhammadu Buhari Airport Maiduguri to International airport and urged them to utilise this opportunity to harness the huge market awaiting all airlines when the airport commences operation in January 1, 2025.”
See the full statement below:
KEYAMO REQUESTS AIRLINE OPERATORS TO SERVE PASSENGERS LOCAL DISHES
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK) has requested Airline Operators to serve passengers with Nigerian dishes. Keyamo said this while receiving Lufthansa Group at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Minister who commended the Lufthansa Group for their services in the Aviation Industry over the years, equally mandated all aircraft leaving or coming into Nigeria to ensure they treat Nigerians well on board of their flights.
He said the essence for requesting local dishes during airlift is to promote Nigeria cultural heritage, economic development and encourage local caterers. Keyamo appealed to foreign airlines to ensure all aircrafts coming to Nigeria are in good shape. He decried the level at which some foreign airlines lift Nigerian Passengers with outdated aircrafts while using the most modern ones in other countries.
Keyamo informed the Lufthansa Group that Nigeria government has upgraded Muhammadu Buhari Airport Maiduguri to International airport and urged them to utilise this opportunity to harness the huge market awaiting all airlines when the airport commences operation in January 1, 2025.
Rene Koinzack, Senior Director Sales, Southern and East Africa, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the aviation minister for the uncommon transformation at the airports. He said Nigeria immigration service has been doing excellently well at the airport and promised to ensure all passengers have value for their money.
Rene said the essence of the meeting was to thank the Minister for ease of doing business in Nigeria and further strengthens the partnership between Nigeria and Lufthansa Group. He stated that going forward Lufthansa would serve Nigeria dishes to Nigeria passengers on board Lufthansa. He maintained that Lufthansa Group will continue to support the growth of Nigeria aviation and her economy.
Odutayo Oluseyi
Head, Press and Public Affairs