Air Peace Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, has stated that aviation remains central to strengthening and expanding the £8 billion trade corridor between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Speaking at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) members’ evening and induction ceremony in Lagos, Onyema said harmonised regulations between both countries were critical to reducing bottlenecks, cutting delays, and enabling smoother trade flows.
He stressed that years of limited access and high costs had placed unnecessary burdens on exporters, students, and professionals while compelling airlines to spend billions of naira annually on overseas aircraft maintenance.
Onyema called for bilateral agreements to be implemented with fairness and reciprocity, alongside efforts to streamline cargo clearance and ensure consistent government support for indigenous carriers.
He commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for initiating reforms to improve the sector.
He also acknowledged the role of Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Johnny Baxter, in facilitating Air Peace’s entry into the UK market.
He noted that aviation should not be treated as a luxury but as an economic enabler capable of lowering trade costs, attracting investment, boosting tourism, and deepening people-to-people ties.
According to him, every flight represents a bridge carrying Nigeria’s people, products, and opportunities to the global stage.
Onyema highlighted Air Peace’s role as Nigeria’s only indigenous carrier directly connecting to the UK and announced plans to commence Abuja–London flights in October.
He also disclosed that the airline is constructing Africa’s largest Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The N32 billion project, spread across 34,000 square metres, is expected to create over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Beyond aviation, Onyema urged stakeholders to support major indigenous investments such as the Dangote Refinery, warning that weakening local enterprises undermines national security and economic growth.
He also announced that Air Peace will serve Nigeria-made coffee on its flights, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to promoting local products abroad.
NBCC President, Prince Abimbola Olashore, praised Onyema’s leadership in aviation, describing Air Peace as a symbol of Nigerian resilience and enterprise.
He urged new chamber members to demonstrate the same commitment to building stronger bilateral business relations.