Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to UK Aviation Ties Amidst British Airways 90th Anniversary

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (APC, Lagos) is cementing Nigeria’s strategic economic partnership with the United Kingdom, with a sharp focus on the aviation sector. Meeting a high-powered British Airways delegation at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Tinubu underscores his administration’s drive to attract investment and streamline operations, leveraging a 90-year operational history between the British carrier and Nigeria.

The President’s assurance comes as British Airways, led by Commercial Officer Mr. Colm Lacy, alongside British High Commissioner to Nigeria Dr. Richard Montgomery, celebrates nine decades of service in the country. This engagement is no mere ceremony; it signifies Abuja’s commitment to resolving historical challenges and setting new standards for international aviation partnerships.

Tinubu highlights the longstanding and productive relationship between the two nations, stressing Nigeria’s high regard for its strategic ties with Britain. He points to his recent historic visit to the United Kingdom and the warm reception from the Royal family as evidence of deep bilateral goodwill. The President affirms that this partnership will continue to unlock growth, investment, and shared prosperity, aligning with national priorities.

Abuja Tackles Aviation Sector Reforms and Legacy Debts

Nigeria is actively overhauling its aviation industry and broader economy, Tinubu asserts, aiming to meet global standards. A key win for his administration remains the swift settlement of outstanding liabilities owed to airlines operating in Nigeria, a move orchestrated by the Central Bank of Nigeria. This decisive action clears historical bottlenecks and restores confidence among foreign carriers.

Mr. Colm Lacy from British Airways chronicles the airline's deep roots in Nigeria, describing the country not just as a destination but as a ‘long-standing, most valued market.’ For 90 years, British Airways has served generations, facilitating trade, investment, and people-to-people connections, thereby bolstering economic and cultural ties between Nigeria and the UK.

Lacy commends the professionalism of Nigeria’s aviation authorities, specifically praising the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN (APC, Delta), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Nigerian Airports Authority. He acknowledges their commitment to ensuring credible and safe aviation practices. The Central Bank of Nigeria also receives accolades for its efforts in resolving foreign exchange issues, a critical factor for international airline operations.

New Era for UK-Nigeria Business Collaboration

Earlier, Minister Keyamo reveals that British Airways now deploys brand new aircraft on the London-Nigerian route. Crucially, the airline fully complies with the federal government’s directive to support local caterers by serving Nigerian dishes on outbound international flights, a policy designed to boost local businesses and promote Nigerian culture.

British High Commissioner Dr. Richard Montgomery expresses satisfaction with the 90-year relationship. He thanks President Tinubu for his successful state visit to the UK, which yielded significant business agreements, including UK financing and content for the rehabilitation of Lagos Ports. This highlights a tangible outcome of high-level diplomatic engagements.

This convergence of diplomatic and commercial interests solidifies a crucial bilateral partnership. Abuja continues to signal its readiness for robust international engagement, projecting stability and opportunity as the nation navigates its economic reforms and eyes the political landscape of 2027.