April 22, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu has assured international carriers of a more stable and predictable operating environment in Nigeria, as his administration intensifies reforms in the aviation sector and clears longstanding financial obligations owed to foreign airlines.
The President gave the assurance on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from British Airways at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The delegation was led by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, alongside the airline’s Commercial Officer, Colm Lacy.
The meeting, which coincided with the airline’s 90 years of operations in Nigeria, focused on consolidating aviation ties and leveraging ongoing economic reforms to boost investor confidence and deepen bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Addressing the delegation, President Tinubu said his administration had taken deliberate steps to resolve the challenges that previously undermined the confidence of foreign airlines, particularly issues surrounding trapped funds and foreign exchange repatriation.
He noted that the intervention of the Central Bank of Nigeria in clearing outstanding liabilities marked a critical milestone in restoring trust and credibility in Nigeria’s aviation market.
“You have seen that since I assumed office, the outstanding liabilities and other bottlenecks that hinder our relationship are being resolved. This is central to ensuring stability and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a viable and competitive aviation hub,” the President said.
Tinubu emphasised that aviation remains a strategic pillar in Nigeria’s broader economic reform agenda, serving as a key enabler of trade, tourism, and investment.
He stressed that ongoing reforms are targeted at aligning Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem with global best practices, improving regulatory efficiency, and enhancing passenger and cargo connectivity.
The President also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing relationship with the United Kingdom, describing it as a partnership built on shared history, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.
He reflected on his recent state visit to the UK, during which he was received by King Charles III, noting that the engagement has opened new pathways for investment and collaboration.
According to him, Nigeria is now focused on translating diplomatic goodwill into tangible economic outcomes, particularly in critical sectors such as aviation and infrastructure.
In his remarks, Colm Lacy highlighted British Airways’ enduring presence in Nigeria, describing the country as one of the airline’s most important markets globally.
He said the airline’s operations over the past 90 years have supported generations of Nigerians through enhanced connectivity for business, education, tourism, and cultural exchange.
“Our relationship with Nigeria is both historic and strategic. Every day, our services connect Nigerian entrepreneurs, students, families, and tourists to opportunities in the UK and beyond, supporting trade and investment flows in both directions,” he said.
Lacy’s comments reflect growing optimism among international carriers, following recent improvements in Nigeria’s foreign exchange management and regulatory coordination.
He commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his leadership in driving reforms within the sector, as well as the professionalism of regulatory agencies such as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Airports Authority.
He also acknowledged the efforts of the Central Bank of Nigeria in resolving FX-related constraints, noting that the move has significantly restored confidence among foreign airlines operating in the country.
Providing further insight into sectoral developments, Minister Keyamo disclosed that British Airways has upgraded its operations on the Nigeria–London route with the deployment of newer aircraft, a move widely seen as a vote of confidence in the improving business environment.
He added that the airline has complied with the Federal Government’s directive on local content by incorporating Nigerian meals into its in-flight services on outbound international flights, thereby supporting indigenous businesses within the aviation value chain.
Also speaking, High Commissioner Richard Montgomery expressed satisfaction with the enduring relationship between Nigeria and British Airways, noting that it mirrors the broader economic and diplomatic ties between both countries.
He further highlighted the outcomes of President Tinubu’s recent visit to the United Kingdom, revealing that the engagement resulted in significant investment agreements, including support for the rehabilitation of Lagos ports—an initiative expected to complement aviation reforms by improving trade logistics.
The meeting underscores Nigeria’s renewed push to reposition its aviation sector as a globally competitive industry anchored on transparency, efficiency, and investor confidence.
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