April 23, (THEWILL) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) resolution of outstanding financial liabilities is paving the way for stronger economic and aviation ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, particularly with British Airways.
This was disclosed in a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, following a meeting with a British Airways delegation on Wednesday, marking the airline’s 90 years of operations in Nigeria.
Tinubu noted that his administration has prioritised eliminating financial bottlenecks that previously strained relationships with international airlines. According to him, clearing outstanding obligations owed to foreign carriers is central to ongoing economic reforms.
“Since I assumed office, the outstanding liabilities and other hindrances to our relationship are being resolved by the Central Bank of Nigeria, and we hope to strengthen all of that”, the President said.
He linked the development to broader efforts to transform Nigeria’s aviation sector and align it with global standards to boost trade, investment, and connectivity. Tinubu stressed that improving aviation infrastructure and operations is critical to enhancing both commercial activity and people-to-people exchanges.
The President also highlighted British Airways’ 90-year presence in Nigeria as a symbol of enduring partnership that should continue evolving alongside national priorities.
The renewed engagement comes amid expanding economic cooperation between both countries. Bilateral trade has reached £8.1 billion, with Nigeria remaining the UK’s largest export market in Africa.
During Tinubu’s state visit in March, Nigeria secured a £746 million financing deal to upgrade key infrastructure, including Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, which handle over 70 percent of the nation’s trade.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
