Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema has called for harmonised regulations between Nigeria and the UK to smooth corridors, reduce bottlenecks, cut delays, and expand trade.

Mr Onyema made the call on Thursday night in Lagos at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce members’ evening and induction ceremony.

Mr Onyema stated that Nigeria and the United Kingdom have a long history of partnership, with trade valued at nearly £8 billion annually.

He, however, noted that for years, people and businesses have borne the burden of limited access, high costs, and dependence on foreign carriers.

This, he said, resulted in missed opportunities, as exporters were unable to meet timelines, students and professionals paid more than they should, and airlines were forced to spend billions annually maintaining aircraft abroad.

Mr Onyema stressed the need to implement bilateral agreements with fairness and reciprocity, reduce bottlenecks in cargo clearance, and continue the government’s strong support for indigenous operators.

He commended President Bola Tinubu and aviation minister Festus Keyamo for reforms in the sector.

Mr Onyema also lauded the Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Johnny Baxter, for facilitating Air Peace’s entry into the UK market.

He said that their efforts in promoting ease of doing business and ensuring fairness in the skies gave indigenous players the courage to expand boldly and represent the country proudly.

“Aviation should not be seen as a luxury but an economic lifeline, reducing trade costs, attracting investment, boosting tourism, and strengthening people-to-people ties.

“Aviation, as we all know it, is more than aircraft in the skies. It is the invisible thread that binds nations together, carries commerce across oceans, and turns ambition into opportunity. When a flight takes off, it is not just a journey; it is a bridge, carrying our people, our produce, our pride, and our possibilities,” he said.

Mr Onyema also stated that Air Peace was proud to be Nigeria’s flag-bearer and its only indigenous airline currently connecting Nigeria directly to the UK, adding that it would soon commence its Abuja–London flights in October.

He stated that the airline has recently broken ground on what will soon be Africa’s largest maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility, located at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

“Spread across 34,000 square metres, with an investment of N32 billion, this facility will create over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs,” he said.

Mr Onyema also called for support for the Dangote refinery and other indigenous enterprises, stating that crippling Nigerian investment is unpatriotic and could exacerbate insecurity.

(NAN)