Air Peace Chairman and CEO, Allen Onyema, has called for the harmonisation of aviation regulations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom to streamline operations, minimise delays, and unlock trade potential between both nations.
Speaking on Thursday night in Lagos at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce Members’ Evening and Induction Ceremony, Onyema emphasised the need for stronger bilateral coordination in the aviation sector to enhance connectivity and economic cooperation.
Highlighting the deep-rooted economic ties between Nigeria and the UK, Onyema noted that bilateral trade is valued at nearly £8 billion annually. However, he pointed out that existing challenges — including high travel costs, limited access, and over-reliance on foreign carriers — continue to undermine this relationship.
He said these inefficiencies have resulted in missed opportunities across various sectors: “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.”
Onyema stressed the importance of implementing bilateral air service agreements fairly, improving cargo clearance processes, and sustaining government support for indigenous operators. He also praised President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for reforms that have improved the operating environment for local airlines.
He extended appreciation to Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Johnny Baxter, for supporting Air Peace’s entry into the UK market and promoting equitable aviation partnerships.
“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,” Onyema said.
He described aviation as a vital link that connects nations and drives growth: “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.”
Onyema affirmed Air Peace’s commitment to serving as Nigeria’s flag carrier, noting that it remains the only indigenous airline currently operating direct flights between Nigeria and the UK. He announced that the airline would begin Abuja–London flights in October, further expanding its international reach.
He also revealed that Air Peace has commenced the development of what will become Africa’s largest Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) 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.
Beyond aviation, Onyema called for broader national support for key indigenous enterprises such as the Dangote Refinery. He warned that undermining local investments was unpatriotic and could worsen insecurity, urging collective backing for Nigerian-owned initiatives driving economic transformation.
