President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening economic and diplomatic ties with the United Kingdom, with special emphasis on aviation and other areas of mutual benefit.
He gave the assurance on Wednesday during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja with a British Airways delegation led by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, and the airline’s Commercial Officer, Mr. Colm Lacy.
President Tinubu described the long-standing relationship between both countries as valuable and productive, noting that Nigeria deeply appreciates its strategic partnership with the United Kingdom.
He also reflected on his recent official visit to the UK, where he said he received a warm reception from the British Royal Family, including His Majesty King Charles III, a moment he described as memorable and significant.
According to him, the renewed engagement between both nations will continue to open doors for investment, economic growth, and shared prosperity.
He said the 90-year history of cooperation, especially in aviation, is a milestone worth celebrating and should be further strengthened.
The President also expressed appreciation for the role of the British monarchy in promoting sustainability and strengthening Commonwealth relations, adding that such efforts continue to support collaboration between Nigeria and the UK in line with national priorities.
Tinubu assured that his administration remains committed to sustaining and improving bilateral relations built over decades, noting that both countries have a responsibility to build on the vision of their predecessors.
He further acknowledged the important role British Airways has played in connecting Nigeria and the UK, particularly in facilitating trade, travel, education, and business opportunities.
The President added that Nigeria is currently undergoing broad economic and aviation reforms aimed at improving efficiency, meeting global standards, and expanding international partnerships.
He also thanked the UK government for its long-standing support and investment interests in Nigeria, expressing optimism that the partnership would continue to grow stronger.
Highlighting recent policy actions, Tinubu revealed that his administration has begun clearing outstanding financial obligations owed to airlines operating in Nigeria, with the Central Bank of Nigeria playing a key role in resolving related challenges.
He assured that efforts would continue to remove barriers that could hinder smooth aviation and trade relations.
Speaking on behalf of British Airways, Colm Lacy said the airline’s relationship with Nigeria dates back to 1936 and has grown steadily over nine decades.
He described Nigeria as a highly valued partner, not just a destination, but a key market with strong economic, cultural, and educational ties to the UK.
Lacy noted that British Airways continues to support Nigerians daily through travel connections that boost business, tourism, education, and investment flows in both directions.
He also commended Nigerian aviation authorities, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, for improving safety and professionalism in the sector.
Additionally, he praised the Central Bank of Nigeria for its efforts in addressing foreign exchange-related concerns affecting international airlines, saying it has helped restore confidence in the Nigerian aviation market.
Earlier, Minister Festus Keyamo announced that British Airways now operates modern aircraft on the London–Nigeria route and has complied with Nigeria’s policy requiring international airlines to support local catering services for outbound flights.
The British High Commissioner, Dr. Richard Montgomery, also expressed satisfaction with the long-standing relationship between both countries and welcomed recent progress in trade and investment agreements following President Tinubu’s visit to the UK.
He specifically highlighted plans to support major projects such as the rehabilitation of Lagos ports, which he said would benefit from UK financing and technical involvement.
The event was concluded with renewed commitments from both sides to deepen cooperation and strengthen economic and aviation ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
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