President Tinubu Pledges Deeper Nigeria-UK Aviation Ties as British Airways Marks 90 Years; High Commissioner Cites Major New Deals for Lagos Port Rehabilitation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated his administration’s resolve to deepen economic cooperation with the United Kingdom, identifying the aviation sector as a cornerstone for shared prosperity. Speaking on today, April 22, 2026, while receiving a delegation from British Airways and the British High Commission at the State House in Abuja, the President characterized the long-standing bilateral relationship as a strategic alliance that continues to evolve to meet modern economic demands.

The meeting served as a formal recognition of British Airways’ 90-year history in Nigeria, a journey that began in 1936. President Tinubu noted that the “transformation and strengthening” of this relationship over nine decades represents a significant milestone in people-to-people and business connections. He recalled his recent state visit to the United Kingdom, emphasizing that his interactions with the Royal Family and British business leaders reinforced the necessity of sustaining robust ties that align with Nigeria’s national development priorities.

Central to the discussions were the ongoing reforms within Nigeria’s aviation and aerospace landscape. The President emphasized that these efforts are designed to ensure the industry meets global benchmarks for safety, efficiency, and service delivery. He specifically pointed to the resolution of outstanding financial liabilities to international carriers as a key move that has restored international confidence in the Nigerian market. “We must meet global standards and encourage partnerships that promote trade,” the President stated.

In his remarks, the British High Commissioner, Dr. Richard Montgomery, lauded the “substance” of the current bilateral engagement, noting that the relationship has moved beyond mere ceremony into tangible economic projects. He highlighted the British government’s commitment to supporting the rehabilitation of Lagos ports with both financing and technical content a project finalized during the President’s recent UK visit.

Further emphasizing the operational success of the partnership, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, noted that British Airways has successfully integrated the federal government’s local content policy by utilizing Nigerian catering services for its outbound flights. As both nations look toward the 2027 economic cycle, the Presidency remains focused on leveraging these historic ties to attract further investment into critical infrastructure and technology sectors.