The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has revealed that the federal government is set to introduce the Fly Nigeria Act aimed at boosting the country’s aviation industry and contributing to the $1trillion economy target.

Keyamo, who made the disclosure at the ministerial briefing in Abuja on Thursday stated that the Act mandates government officials to prioritise local airlines for official trips.

“We are in the process of pushing the Fly Nigeria Act to the National Assembly. There is a Fly America Act, and I believe there is also a Fly India Act. Most major countries have their own ‘Fly Act’ to promote their national airlines

“The proposed legislation will require that all government-funded official trips be taken using Nigerian airlines.

“Only when a local airline does not operate on a particular route can an international airline be used,” he explained.

According to Keyamo, the Fly Nigeria Act is not just an aviation policy but also a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s economy.

“This will be enacted as a law. We are unsure how nationalism will influence its reception, but it is a key policy push from us,” he added.

He emphasised that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of a $1 trillion economy, with aviation playing a critical role in achieving that goal.

“The Fly Nigeria Act is almost ready in draft form. It aims to further boost business within the country, contributing to the $1 trillion economy that the president envisions,” Keyamo said.

The minister revealed that the process for formal adoption is already in motion and once the Act is finalised, it will be presented to the federal executive council for approval.

Meanwhile, the minister earlier received the Ambassador of Namibia to Nigeria, H.E. Humphrey D. Geiseb in his office in Abuja.

The ambassador, according to Keyamo’s spokesperson, Tunde Moshood, expressed his country’s desire to partner with Nigerian airlines to restore direct connectivity, citing ongoing discussions with Air Peace

The discussions with the minister revolved around the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Namibia and potential collaborations to enhance aviation connectivity between the two nations.

Ambassador Geiseb highlighted the historical importance of Air Namibia’s operations between the two countries, noting that the national carrier previously connected Lagos to Accra and played a key role in facilitating travel between Namibia and Nigeria.

Additionally, the minister raised the issue of the visa challenges between Nigeria and Namibia, recalling his own recent difficulties obtaining a visa despite holding a diplomatic passport. He urged the ambassador to work towards resolving these issues to facilitate smoother travel and to open doors for more trade and investment relations between the two countries. Both envoys agreed to collaborate on these matters to improve bilateral ties.