Emirates Airline has announced plans to resume flight operations to Nigeria, two years after suspending its services due to foreign exchange challenges and difficulties in repatriating funds.

The airline confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the resumption marks a significant step in rebuilding ties between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Nigeria.

Emirates halted flights to Nigeria in October 2022 after it was unable to repatriate over $85 million in ticket sales, following Nigeria’s foreign exchange crisis at the time.

The suspension affected both business and leisure travel between the two nations, prompting diplomatic discussions.

According to the airline, operations will resume with regular passenger flights between Dubai and Lagos, with schedules and ticket sales expected to be announced soon.

“The return to Nigeria reflects our commitment to strengthening air connectivity and enhancing bilateral relations with one of Africa’s most important markets,” the airline said.

The Federal Government had earlier confirmed that negotiations were underway with UAE authorities to restore flight operations between both countries. Aviation industry observers have welcomed the move, describing it as a positive development for trade, tourism, and international relations.

With the return of Emirates, analysts expect improved travel options for Nigerian passengers and renewed investor confidence in the aviation sector.

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The Lekki Deep Sea Port is projected to contribute $360 billion to Nigeria’s economy and create around 170,000 jobs over its 45-year concession period, according to the port’s Managing Director, Wang Qiang.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos on Tuesday, Qiang noted that while the port is still in its early operational stages, it has already attracted significant investment and continues to recover from initial construction costs.

“We invested over one billion dollars in building the port, and it will take some time to recoup the investment,” he said. “The port is running well, but due to the heavy upfront costs, we are still in the recovery phase.”

Qiang described Lekki Port as a critical link in Nigeria’s logistics network and called for stronger government support, particularly in infrastructural development.

Emmanuel Anda, Port Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority, praised the port as a “game-changer” for the country’s trade and economy, highlighting its role in boosting exports and improving import efficiency. He expressed optimism that Nigeria could become a global export hub within the next decade.

The Chief Commercial Officer of Lekki Freeport Terminal, Kehinde Olubi-Neye, emphasized that automation has improved operations and reduced congestion, while the port can now accommodate the largest vessels in Nigeria.

Adesuwa Ladoja, Managing Director of Lagos Free Zone, noted that surrounding free zones have enhanced value addition for exports. She described Lekki Port as a model of resilience and innovation, developed even during the challenging COVID-19 period.

Community representatives also welcomed the project, praising its corporate social responsibility initiatives, including youth empowerment, skills training, and educational support programs.

Located in the Lagos Free Zone, 65 kilometers east of Lagos, Lekki Port is Nigeria’s first multi-purpose deep sea port and the deepest in West Africa, with a depth of 16.5 meters, capable of receiving 18,000 TEU vessels. The port began its concession in 2019, completed phase 1 of construction in 2022, and commenced commercial operations in April 2023.

Qiang urged Nigerians and businesses to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the port, stressing its potential to transform trade and industrial activity in the country.

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British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery CMG, shared this update during a media briefing on UK-Nigeria economic relations held in Abuja. He emphasized that the robust trade relationship forms a vital component of the broader bilateral partnership between both countries.

Addressing recent developments on UK immigration policy, Montgomery acknowledged the valuable contributions of foreign healthcare professionals, including many from Nigeria. However, he noted that a significant surge in migration—around 2.6 million entries recorded over a six-month period—has raised concerns about economic sustainability and public service capacity.

Montgomery also pointed out that Nigerians represent roughly 10% of annual visitors to the UK. He emphasized that while the UK remains open to genuine travelers and investors, concerns about fraudulent visa applications have led to increased scrutiny. He advised applicants to ensure the accuracy and completeness of supporting documents to avoid rejections.

On Nigeria’s economic outlook, the High Commissioner expressed optimism, praising President Bola Tinubu’s reform efforts aimed at improving investor confidence and business accessibility. However, he also voiced concern about the country’s security situation, describing it as a critical challenge.

Montgomery attributed some of the insecurity to regional instability, particularly from conflicts in Sudan and Niger. He revealed that the UK is working closely with Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Adviser and investing in security initiatives to support stabilization efforts.

The envoy concluded by reaffirming the UK’s commitment to fostering economic growth and mutual prosperity with Nigeria while encouraging transparent and lawful immigration processes.

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This decision comes amid growing concerns over Nigeria’s rising building collapse crisis, which has resulted in loss of lives and property.

Rising Building Collapses and Weak Enforcement Measures

Billy Osawaru, an Edo lawmaker who sponsored the motion, urged the House to demand stronger enforcement from SON. He stressed the urgent need to eliminate fake and substandard building materials from the Nigerian market. Without strict quality control measures, he warned, unsafe construction practices will continue to endanger public safety. According to him, weak regulatory oversight and the influx of inferior materials are major contributors to Nigeria’s high building collapse rate.

Citing data from the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, Osawaru revealed that Nigeria recorded 47 building collapses across 14 states in 2024. Lagos accounted for 56% of these cases, recording 13 incidents, while Abuja followed with six collapses, representing 4.37% of the total. He further disclosed that within the first months of 2025, at least three additional building collapses have already led to multiple deaths and injuries.

Osawaru expressed deep concern over reports that SON reversed its decision to shut down the 18 companies implicated in producing substandard materials. Allegedly, the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment influenced this reversal, sparking widespread criticism over the government’s commitment to enforcing quality standards. Osawaru warned that if left unchecked, these companies will continue to exploit weak enforcement mechanisms, flooding the market with low-quality materials, while exporting higher-quality products to countries with stricter regulations.

Lawmakers Push for Strict Regulations

Studies indicate that 53% of building collapses in Nigeria result from poor-quality materials and unskilled labor. Most affected buildings are private residential structures executed by local contractors who cut corners to maximize profits. The consequences have been devastating, Osawaru lamented, leading to countless preventable deaths.

The House of Representatives has now resolved to conduct a full-scale investigation into SON’s regulatory failures. Lawmakers will examine the agency’s enforcement practices, scrutinize its decision-making processes, and hold responsible parties accountable for compromising safety standards. The investigation aims to introduce strong recommendations to tackle Nigeria’s substandard building material crisis.

This probe could become a defining moment for Nigeria’s construction industry, testing the government’s resolve to protect its citizens from preventable disasters. If negligence or regulatory failure is uncovered, SON and other relevant agencies may face intense scrutiny and pressure to implement stricter oversight across the sector.

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