What Makes Emirates-Nigeria Partnership Essential, By Keyamo
Responding yesterday to a reassurance that Emirates is back to stay, by Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Gulf, Middle East & Central Asia, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) said “Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy and with its most traveled population, must be a priority for Emirates. Our potential to become the continent’s aviation hub makes this partnership essential.”
At this exclusive reception held in Lagos and organized courtesy of Dr. Phil Osagie of JSP Communications on behalf of Emirates Airlines, the government of Dubai’s Investment Corporation of Dubai, owners of Emirates Airlines officially confirmed its return to Nigeria after two years hiatus, saying the airline has come to stay for good.
At this even attend by top executives from both Emirates and Nigerian aviation agencies, as well as key stakeholders, Minister Keyamo expressed optimism about the future, hinting at broader business opportunities between Nigeria and the UAE beyond the resumption of flights.
The airline’s flight marked the historic moment as its inaugural flight to Nigeria touched down at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, after a two-year hiatus. The flight, a Boeing 777/300 (EK 703), landed at 15:20, signaling the airline’s commitment to resuming operations in one of its key African markets. The occasion was graced by top Emirates and Nigerian aviation officials.
Leading the Emirates delegation was Adil Al Ghaith. He was joined by David Broz, Senior Vice President, Aeropolitical and Airline Industry Affairs; Sami Aqil Abdullah, Senior Vice President of Emirates Airport Services, Outstation and Business Support; and Paulos Legesse, Country Manager, Nigeria.
The Nigerian delegation was led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), included prominent aviation leaders such as Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, Acting Director General of the NCAA; Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of FAAN; Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the NSIB; and all FAAN Directors.
Adil Al Ghaith, visibly elated by the airline’s return, had shared his excitement during his address.
“Nigeria has always been one of our most important markets, with 14 weekly flights to and from Lagos and seven to Abuja before the hiatus. We are delighted to be back, and this time, we are back for good,” he said. “We are back today, and we came to stay,” he added, thanking Nigerian authorities for their support in making the return possible.
A statement signed by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development said the evening reached its peak with a ceremonial cake-cutting and an exchange of gifts, symbolizing the renewed partnership between Emirates Airlines and Nigeria and that the event underscores the airline’s commitment to strengthening its operations in the Nigerian market and fostering deeper collaboration with Nigerian aviation stakeholders.
