- Nigeria Ready for Greater Trade, Aviation Growth with UK – Tinubu
- President said the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and the UK reflects decades of cooperation, particularly in aviation, trade, and investment
- Lacy described Nigeria as one of the airline’s most important markets, noting that British Airways’ presence since 1936 has supported generations of Nigerians in business, education, and travel
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its economic and diplomatic relationship with the United Kingdom, as British Airways marked 90 years of continuous operations in Nigeria.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Tinubu gave the assurance on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from British Airways at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
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The team was led by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, and the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Colm Lacy.
Describing the anniversary as both symbolic and strategic, the President said the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and the UK reflects decades of cooperation, particularly in aviation, trade, and investment.
“It is a great joy to celebrate this milestone. The transformation and strengthening of our relationship over the past 90 years is truly remarkable,” Tinubu said, recalling his recent visit to the UK where he was received by King Charles III.
He noted that Nigeria values its historic ties with the British monarchy and the Commonwealth, adding that shared priorities such as sustainability and economic growth will continue to shape future engagements.
Tinubu also highlighted ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s aviation and economic sectors, stressing the need to meet global standards, boost investor confidence, and improve international connectivity.
According to him, efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria to clear outstanding debts owed to foreign airlines are already helping to restore confidence among international partners.
Commending British Airways for its role over the decades, Tinubu said the airline has remained a vital link between Nigeria and the rest of the world, supporting trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
“We celebrate your 90 years of operation in Nigeria and look forward to an even stronger and more rewarding partnership,” he added.
In his remarks, Lacy described Nigeria as one of the airline’s most important markets, noting that British Airways’ presence since 1936 has supported generations of Nigerians in business, education, and travel.
He also praised Nigeria’s aviation authorities, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, for improving safety and regulatory standards.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, revealed that British Airways has upgraded its aircraft on the Nigeria–London route and is complying with government policy by incorporating Nigerian meals on outbound flights.
Also speaking, Montgomery expressed satisfaction with the airline’s long history in Nigeria and commended Tinubu’s recent UK visit, noting that it led to key investment agreements, including support for the rehabilitation of Lagos ports.
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