President Bola Tinubu has assured officials of the United Kingdom (UK) government that the “partnership” between Nigeria and the UK “will continue to create opportunities for growth, investment, and shared prosperity”.
Tinubu spoke on Wednesday in Aso Rock when he received a
delegation from British Airways led by Richard Montgomery, British high
commissioner to Nigeria, and Colm Lacy, the airline’s chief commercial officer
(CCO).
The president reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening
economic relations with the UK, particularly in the aviation sector and other
mutually beneficial areas.
According to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, special adviser
to the president on information and strategy, Tinubu, while highlighting the
longstanding and productive partnership between both countries, noted that
Nigeria places great value on its strategic relationship with Britain.
“We also hold in high regard our relationship with His
Majesty the King. His long-standing commitment to sustainability and to
strengthening the Commonwealth, particularly the relationship between Nigeria
and Great Britain, must continue to enhance cooperation that aligns with our
own national priorities,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.
“I assure you we will continue to do that, and this
engagement confirmed the bilateral relations that we’ve enjoyed over the years.
Our forebears wanted us to continue.”
The president further acknowledged the critical role of
British Airways in fostering economic and people-to-people connections between
Nigeria and the UK, noting that Nigeria is undergoing reforms to strengthen the
economy and state institutions.
“Nigeria is still going through the reforms and
transformation of our aviation industry and every aspect of our economy. We
must meet global standards and encourage people-to-people connections while
promoting the essence of trade and partnership in this sector,” he said.
Tinubu also expressed appreciation to the British government
for the numerous business and investment opportunities extended to Nigeria over
the years.
He informed the visitors that one of the earliest
achievements of his administration was settling outstanding liabilities owed by
airlines operating in Nigeria.
“You’ve seen that since I assumed office, the outstanding
liabilities and other hiccups that are hindrances to our relationship are being
resolved by the Central Bank of Nigeria, and we hope to strengthen all of
that,” the president said.
‘NIGERIA IS MORE THAN JUST A DESTINATION FOR AIRWAYS’
In his remarks, Lacy said British Airways has maintained a
90-year relationship with Nigeria, supporting trade, investment, and
connectivity.
According to the CCO, Nigeria is not just a destination for
the airways, but a long-standing valued customer.
“Every day our services support Nigerian entrepreneurs,
students, families and tourists connecting from Nigeria to the United Kingdom
and all over the world, helping in trade, investment and opportunities in both
directions,” he said.
Lacy commended the ministry of aviation, led by Festus
Keyamo, alongside the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal
Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), for enhancing safety and professionalism
in the sector.
He also praised the CBN for its commitment to resolving
foreign exchange issues and restoring the confidence of foreign airlines
operating in Nigeria.
Earlier, Keyamo said British Airways now operates new
aircraft on the Nigeria-London route and has complied with government policies
supporting local caterers by serving local dishes on outbound international
flights.
Also speaking, Montgomery thanked the president for his
successful state visit to the UK, during which several business agreements were
signed to boost trade and economic ties between the two nations.
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