President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening economic relations with the United Kingdom, particularly in the aviation sector and other mutually beneficial areas.
President Tinubu gave the assurance when he met with a delegation from British Airways led by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery and the Commercial Officer of British Airways, Mr Colm Lacy, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The President, while highlighting the longstanding and productive partnership between both countries, noted that Nigeria places great value on its strategic relationship with Britain.
President Tinubu particularly reflected on his very recent historic visit to the United Kingdom and the wonderful reception he received from the Royal family.
He assured the delegation that the partnership will continue to create opportunities for growth, investment, and shared prosperity.
“It is a very great joy to share with you this afternoon. The transformation and strengthening of our relationship over the past 90 years is a milestone worthy of celebration. And I still relish the memory of my last visit to Great Britain and the wonderful reception I received from His Majesty King Charles III. I will forever cherish that memory.
“We also hold in high regard our relationship with His Majesty the King. His long-standing commitment to sustainability and to strengthening the Commonwealth, particularly the relationship between Nigeria and Great Britain, must continue to enhance cooperation that aligns with our own national priorities.
“I assure you we will continue to do that, and this engagement confirmed the bilateral relations that we’ve enjoyed over the years. Our forebears wanted us to continue,” the President said.
President Tinubu acknowledged the critical role of British Airways in fostering economic and people-to-people connections between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, saying that Nigeria is undergoing reforms to strengthen the economy and state institutions.
“Nigeria is still going through the reforms and transformation of our aviation industry and every aspect of our economy. We must meet global standards and encourage people-to-people connections while promoting the essence of trade and partnership in this sector.
The President further expressed appreciation to the British Government for the numerous business and investment opportunities extended to 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 informed the visitors that one of the earliest achievements of his administration was settling outstanding liabilities owed by airlines operating in Nigeria.
“You’ve seen that since I assumed office, the outstanding liabilities and other hiccups that are hindrances to our relationship are being resolved by the Central Bank of Nigeria, and we hope to strengthen all of that,” he said.
In his remarks, Colm Lacy chronicled the airways’ long-standing relationship with Nigeria, saying the airways have served generations of Nigerians for the past 90 years, helping in trade, investments and opportunities on both sides.
