Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to strengthening economic ties with Britain.

Nigeria: Boubacar Sane

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu affirmed on Wednesday Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with the United Kingdom, particularly in the aviation sector and other areas of mutual benefit.

President Tinubu reaffirmed this commitment during his meeting with a delegation from British Airways, headed by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, and the commercial officer of British Airways, Mr. Colm Lacey, at the Presidential Palace in Abuja.

In discussing the fruitful and long-standing partnership between the two countries, the President noted that Nigeria attaches great importance to its strategic relationship with Britain.

The President praised his recent historic visit to the United Kingdom and the warm welcome he received from the Royal Family.

Growth and prosperity

The President assured the delegation that this partnership will continue to create opportunities for growth, investment, and shared prosperity.

«"It is a pleasure to share this day with you. The development and strengthening of our relationship over the past ninety years is a truly remarkable achievement.".

I still cherish the memory of my last visit to Great Britain and the warm welcome I received from His Majesty King Charles III. That memory will remain forever in my heart.

We also greatly value our relationship with His Majesty. His unwavering commitment to sustainability and strengthening the Commonwealth, particularly the relationship between Nigeria and Great Britain, should continue to foster cooperation in line with our national priorities.

"I assure you that we will continue this approach, and this meeting has confirmed the strength of the bilateral relations that have united us over the years. Our forefathers wished for this relationship to continue," the President said.

pivotal role

President Tinubu acknowledged the pivotal role played by British Airways in strengthening economic and people-to-people ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, stressing that Nigeria is undergoing reforms to strengthen its economy and government institutions.

Nigeria continues to undertake comprehensive reforms and developments in its aviation sector and across all aspects of its economy. We must rise to global standards, foster people-to-people exchanges, and strengthen the core of trade and partnership in this sector.
The President also expressed his appreciation to the British government for the numerous trade and investment opportunities it has provided to Nigeria over the years.

He said: “We celebrate with you 90 years of your outstanding work in Nigeria, and we hope to continue to strengthen and encourage this relationship for a stronger and more fruitful partnership.”.

The president also informed the visitors that one of his administration's first achievements was settling the debts owed by airlines operating in Nigeria.

Long-standing client

He said: “Since I took office, you have seen that the Central Bank of Nigeria is working to resolve outstanding obligations and other obstacles that have hampered our relationship, and we hope to strengthen that.”.
In his speech, Colm Lacey reviewed the close relationship between the airline and Nigeria, saying that it had served generations of Nigerians over the past ninety years, contributing to trade, investment and opportunities for both sides.
He added: “Nigeria is not just a destination for airlines, but a valuable and long-standing customer.”.

“Our relationship began in 1936 and has continued through generations. Nigeria is not just a destination, but a valuable and established market in a country with which we have strong ties on the popular, commercial, educational and cultural levels.”.

He emphasized: “Our services support Nigerian entrepreneurs, students, families, and tourists traveling from Nigeria to the UK and around the world on a daily basis, contributing to trade, investment, and opportunities in both directions.”

Lacey praised the Minister of Aviation and Space Development, Festus Kyamu, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Nigerian Airports Authority for their commitment and professional competence, which, he said, contributed to strengthening a reliable and safe aviation sector in Nigeria.

Flights to London

He also commended the Central Bank of Nigeria for its commitment to resolving foreign exchange problems and restoring the confidence of foreign airlines operating in Nigeria.

Earlier, the Minister for Aviation and Space Development informed attendees that British Airways is now operating brand-new aircraft on the London-Nigeria route.

Kiamu added that the airline is fully committed to the federal government's policy of supporting local catering businesses by offering local dishes on departing international flights.

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, also expressed his delight at the ninety-year relationship between British Airways and Nigeria.

The envoy also thanked the president for his successful official visit to the United Kingdom, during which several trade agreements were signed to strengthen trade and economic relations between the two countries.

The envoy thanked the president for his successful official visit to the United Kingdom, during which several trade agreements were signed to strengthen trade and economic relations between the two countries.

“I know that Their Majesties the King and Queen were delighted with the visit. And I hope that you and your team will feel satisfied with the substance of the matter, and not just the ceremony, as some very large investment deals were agreed upon, including the rehabilitation of the ports of Lagos, which we are pleased to support with British funding and content.”.