President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said again that Nigeria wants to strengthen its economic ties with the UK, especially in the aviation industry and other areas where both countries may benefit. Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, said this in a statement on Wednesday.
President Tinubu made this promise when he met with a group from British Airways led by Dr. Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, and Mr. Colm Lacy, the Commercial Officer of British Airways, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The President talked about the long and successful collaboration between the two countries and said that Nigeria values its strategic relationship with Britain very highly.
President Tinubu thought a lot about his very recent historic trip to the UK and how well he was treated by the Royal family. He told the group that the cooperation would keep making chances for growth, investment, and shared wealth. “This afternoon, it is a great pleasure to share with you.” It’s a big deal that our relationship has changed and grown stronger over the past 90 years. The President stated, “And I still enjoy remembering my last trip to Great Britain and how well I was received by His Majesty King Charles III. I will always treasure that memory.”
He also said, “We value our relationship with His Majesty the King very highly.” His long-standing commitment to sustainability and to building the Commonwealth, especially the relationship between Nigeria and Great Britain, must continue to improve cooperation that is in line with our own national goals. I promise that we will keep doing that, and this meeting validated the good relationship we’ve had with each other over the years. “Those who came before us wanted us to go on.”
Namadi Flags Off New Housing Phase and Starts Skills Training for 135 Jigawa Youths is another article you should read.
President Tinubu said that British Airways plays an important role in improving economic and personal ties between Nigeria and the UK. He also said that Nigeria is making changes to its economy and government to make them stronger. “Nigeria is still going through changes and improvements in our aviation industry and all other parts of our economy.” “We need to meet global standards and encourage people-to-people connections while also promoting the core values of trade and partnership in this sector,” he said.
The President also thanked the British government for the many economic and investment opportunities it has given Nigeria over the years. “We celebrate with you your remarkable 90 years of operation in Nigeria, and we hope we will continue to enhance and encourage that relationship for a stronger and more rewarding partnership,” he said. He also told the tourists that one of the first things his administration did was to settle debts that airlines operating in Nigeria owed. “You’ve seen that since I took office, the Central Bank of Nigeria has been working to fix the outstanding debts and other problems that are getting in the way of our relationship. We hope to make all of that stronger,” he said.
Mr. Colm Lacy talked about the lengthy history of the airways with Nigeria, adding that they have served generations of Nigerians over the past 90 years, aiding with trade, investments, and opportunities on both sides. He stated that Nigeria was not only a stop for the airlines, but also a long-time valued customer. “Our bond started in 1936 and has lasted through many generations. Nigeria is not just a place to go; it is also a long-standing and very important market for us. We have close relationships to the people, businesses, schools, and cultures of Nigeria. Lacy stated, “Every day our services help Nigerian businesspeople, students, families, and tourists connect with people in the UK and around the world. This helps trade, investment, and opportunities in both directions.”
Lacy praised the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Nigerian Airports Authority, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for their dedication and professionalism, which he said had made aviation in Nigeria more reliable and safe. He also praised the Central Bank of Nigeria for its dedication to fixing problems with foreign exchange and rebuilding the trust of foreign airlines that fly to Nigeria.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development told the group earlier that British Airways now flies brand new planes on the London-Nigerian route. Keyamo also added that the airline has properly followed the federal government’s policy to help local caterers by serving local food on foreign flights leaving the country.
Richard Montgomery, the UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, also spoke and said he was happy about the 90-year partnership between British Airways and Nigeria. The envoy also complimented the President for his successful state visit to the UK, where he inked several business deals to improve trade and economic connections between the two countries. “I know that the King and Queen were very happy with the visit. And I hope that your excellency and your team are happy with the substance of the meeting, not just the ceremony. We are happy to help finance and provide UK content for some very big investment deals, including the rehabilitation of Lagos Ports. Onanuga went on to say that the President is still committed to making the relationship between the two countries stronger. Bayo Onanuga also said that both sides were hopeful for a better relationship at the end of the conference.
About the Author
