BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening economic relations with the United Kingdom, particularly in the aviation sector and other mutually beneficial areas.
He gave the assurance on Wednesday 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.
Tinubu particularly reflected on his 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.
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 appreciated 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.
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.
He said that Nigeria was not just a destination for the airways, but a long-standing valued customer.
"Our relationship began in 1936 and has journeyed across generations. Nigeria is not simply a destination but a long-standing, most valued market in a country with which we share strong people-to-people, business, educational, and cultural ties.
"Every day our services support Nigerian entrepreneurs, students, families and tourists connecting from Nigeria to the United Kingdom and all over the world, helping in trade, investment and opportunities in both directions," he said.
Lacy lauded the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and Nigerian Airports Authority for their commitment and professionalism, which, according to him, enhanced a credible and safe aviation in Nigeria.
He also commended the Central Bank of Nigeria for its commitment to resolving foreign exchange matters and restoring the confidence of foreign airlines operating in Nigeria.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development informed that British Airways now operates brand new aircraft on the London-Nigerian route.
Keyamo stated that the airline had fully complied with the federal government's policy to support local caterers by serving local dishes on international outbound flights.
The UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery expressed delight at the 90-year relationship between British Airways and Nigeria.
He thanked the President for his successful state visit to the United Kingdom, during which several business agreements were signed to boost trade and economic ties between the two nations.
"I know that their Majesties, the King and the Queen, were delighted with the visit. And I hope that your excellency and your team feel satisfied about the substance, not just the ceremony, that some very big investment deals were agreed, including the rehabilitation of Lagos Ports, which we are delighted to support with financing and UK content," he said.
This was contained in a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga in Abuja.
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