President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening its economic partnership with the United Kingdom, pledging continued cooperation across aviation and multiple other sectors of mutual interest at a meeting that also celebrated the 90th anniversary of British Airways’ continuous service to Nigeria.
The president met at State House in Abuja with a high-level British Airways delegation led by British High Commissioner Richard Montgomery and the airline’s Commercial Officer, Colm Lacy, using the occasion to reflect on both the historical depth and future potential of the Nigeria-UK relationship.
Tinubu spoke warmly of his recent state visit to the United Kingdom and the reception extended to him by the Royal Family, describing his audience with King Charles III as a memory he would cherish permanently and a demonstration of the warmth with which both nations regarded the bilateral relationship.
“The transformation and strengthening of our relationship over the past 90 years is a milestone worthy of celebration. We also hold in high regard our relationship with His Majesty the King. His long-standing commitment to sustainability and to strengthening the Commonwealth must continue to enhance cooperation that aligns with our national priorities,” he said.
He acknowledged the critical role British Airways had played in fostering economic and people-to-people connections over nine decades and noted that Nigeria was pressing ahead with aviation sector reforms designed to meet global standards and encourage greater international connectivity.
The president pointed to the early settlement of outstanding liabilities owed to airlines operating in Nigeria as a significant achievement of his administration, crediting the Central Bank of Nigeria with resolving foreign exchange complications that had previously strained relations with international carriers.
Lacy noted that services had begun in 1936 and had since served generations of Nigerians in trade, investment, education, and family connections. He commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Nigerian Airports Authority for their professionalism in sustaining a credible and safe aviation environment, and praised the CBN for its commitment to resolving foreign exchange matters and restoring confidence among international operators.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo noted that British Airways now operated brand-new aircraft on the London to Nigeria route and had fully complied with the federal government’s policy of supporting local caterers by serving Nigerian dishes on international outbound flights.
High Commissioner Montgomery expressed delight at the 90-year milestone and thanked the president for his successful state visit, noting that significant investment agreements had been concluded during the trip, including the rehabilitation of Lagos ports with UK financing and content.
