The Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Ltd., Allen Onyema, has urged Nigeria and the United Kingdom to harmonise aviation regulations in order to reduce delays, ease trade, and strengthen bilateral ties.
Onyema made the appeal on Thursday in Lagos at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Members’ Evening and Induction Ceremony, themed “Trade without Borders: Aviation as a Catalyst for Bilateral Growth between Nigeria and the UK.”
He noted that both countries share a long history of partnership, with annual trade currently valued at nearly £8 billion. However, he lamented that limited access, high costs, and dependence on foreign carriers have long constrained opportunities. According to him, this has left exporters struggling with deadlines, students and professionals paying more than necessary, and Nigerian airlines spending billions of naira annually to maintain aircraft abroad.
Onyema stressed that bilateral agreements should be implemented with fairness and reciprocity, while bottlenecks in cargo clearance must be addressed. He also called for sustained government support for indigenous airlines.
The airline chief commended President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for their reforms in the sector. He also acknowledged Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Johnny Baxter, for supporting Air Peace’s entry into the UK market, noting that such efforts boosted confidence for indigenous airlines to expand internationally.
“Aviation should not be seen as a luxury but an economic lifeline—reducing trade costs, attracting investment, boosting tourism, and connecting people,” Onyema said. “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.”
Onyema highlighted Air Peace’s role as Nigeria’s flag carrier and the only indigenous airline currently operating direct flights to the UK. He revealed that Abuja–London flights will commence in October and announced progress on Africa’s largest Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, being built at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The 34,000-square-metre project, worth ₦32 billion, is expected to create more than 50,000 direct and indirect jobs.
He further urged support for indigenous enterprises such as the Dangote Refinery, warning that stifling local investments undermines national growth and could exacerbate insecurity. At the event, Onyema also endorsed a locally produced coffee presented to him, approving it to be served onboard Air Peace flights.
NBCC President, Prince Abimbola Olashore, praised Onyema for his resilience, patriotism, and commitment to excellence, noting that his leadership has strengthened Nigeria’s connectivity and showcased the potential of local enterprise on the global stage.
Olashore encouraged new chamber inductees to remain committed to its vision of shared prosperity by bringing fresh ideas to shape the future of Nigeria–UK business relations.