Lagos: Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Ltd., Mr. Allen Onyema, has urged for the harmonization of aviation regulations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom to facilitate smoother operations, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, minimize delays, and foster trade expansion. Onyema made this appeal during the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) members’ evening and induction ceremony held in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event, themed ‘Trade without Borders: Aviation as a Catalyst for Bilateral Growth between Nigeria and UK,’ highlighted the significant economic partnership between the two nations, with current trade valued at nearly eight billion pounds annually. Onyema noted that despite this robust trade relationship, both people and businesses frequently face challenges such as limited access, elevated costs, and an over-reliance on foreign carriers. These hurdles have led to missed opportunities for exporters, inflated costs for students and professionals, and billions spent by airlines on aircraft maintenance abroad.
Emphasizing the need for equitable implementation of bilateral agreements, Onyema called for a reduction in cargo clearance bottlenecks and continued governmental support for local operators. He commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, for their reforms in the sector. Onyema also praised Mr. Johnny Baxter, Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, for facilitating Air Peace’s entry into the UK market, noting their efforts in promoting business ease and ensuring fair skies have emboldened indigenous players.
Onyema asserted that aviation is an economic lifeline that reduces trade costs, attracts investment, boosts tourism, and strengthens interpersonal connections. He described aviation as more than just aircraft, but as an invisible thread that links nations, facilitates commerce, and transforms ambition into opportunity. He expressed pride in Air Peace being Nigeria’s flag-bearer and its sole indigenous airline directly connecting Nigeria to the UK, announcing the upcoming launch of Abuja-London flights in October.
Highlighting future plans, Onyema revealed that Air Peace is advancing on a project to establish Africa’s largest Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Covering 34,000 square meters with a N32 billion investment, the facility is expected to generate over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Onyema also advocated for support of indigenous enterprises like the Dangote refinery, cautioning that undermining Nigerian investments is unpatriotic and could heighten insecurity. In a symbolic gesture, he approved the serving of Nigeria-made coffee on Air Peace flights.
Prince Abimbola Olashore, President of NBCC, lauded Onyema for his resilience, patriotism, and commitment to excellence through Air Peace, which he said reflects the chamber’s values. Olashore highlighted Onyema’s leadership in enhancing Nigeria’s connectivity and showcasing the potential of Nigerian enterprise globally. He urged new chamber inductees to contribute actively to the shared vision of prosperity by bringing their unique perspectives to the table and shaping the future of bilateral business relations.