President Bola Tinubu has said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is clearing outstanding obligations owed to foreign airlines as part of efforts to strengthen aviation relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Gatekeepers News reports that the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this after a meeting on Wednesday between Tinubu and a delegation from British Airways, which is marking 90 years of operations in Nigeria.
The development follows recent aviation sector interventions announced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who said the Federal Government had introduced measures to ease financial pressure on airlines amid rising jet fuel costs and concerns over possible service disruptions. Keyamo also noted that President Tinubu approved discounts on certain outstanding charges owed to the government by airline operators to provide immediate relief to the sector.
Speaking during the meeting, Tinubu said the settlement of airline liabilities was part of broader efforts to remove long-standing bottlenecks in Nigeria’s aviation relationships with international partners.
“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.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening economic and aviation ties with the United Kingdom, describing the relationship as strategic and mutually beneficial.
Highlighting his recent visit to the UK, Tinubu said: “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.”
He added that cooperation with the UK, including through the Commonwealth, should continue to align with Nigeria’s development priorities, stressing the need for sustained partnerships in aviation, trade, and investment.
“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 said.
Tinubu also expressed appreciation for British Airways’ long-standing presence in Nigeria, noting its role in strengthening economic and social ties between both countries.
“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.
British Airways representative Colm Lacy said the airline has maintained a strong relationship with Nigeria since 1936, describing the country as a key market.
“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,” he said.
Lacy added that the airline supports Nigerian travellers across business, education, and tourism, contributing to trade and investment flows between both countries. He also commended Nigerian aviation authorities and the CBN for improving regulatory stability and addressing foreign exchange issues affecting international carriers.
The UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, also welcomed the 90-year milestone in the aviation partnership, praising recent agreements reached during Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom, including planned investments in infrastructure such as the rehabilitation of Lagos ports.
