The Ghanaian High Commissioner to Nigeria and Permanent Representative to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Amb. Sadiq Abu, has expressed interest in strengthening collaboration between the diplomatic mission and United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) and lauded the airline for its service on the Accra-Abuja route.

Abu made the remarks over the weekend in Abuja when a delegation from UNA, led by its Director of Administration, Linus Awute, paid a courtesy visit to the Ghana High Commission.

A statement yesterday by the airline, said that the visit was aimed at formally welcoming the High Commissioner to Nigeria and conveying the goodwill of the airline’s management and board.

The statement hinted that visit was necessary as Abu’s first flight into Nigeria after resuming his diplomatic duties was aboard United Nigeria Airlines on the Accra-Abuja route.

Speaking on behalf of the airline’s Chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Awute conveyed UNA’s goodwill to the High Commissioner and reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to strengthening the historic relationship between Ghana and Nigeria.

Awute also recalled Okonkwo’s longstanding relationship with Ghana’s President, John Mahama, saying the airline remained committed to using its operations between both countries to foster stronger diplomatic, economic, business and cultural ties.

He mentioned presence of Ghanaian nationals within UNA’s workforce, noting that many Ghanaian employees occupied important positions and contribute to the airline’s operational excellence and safety.

According to him, the participation of Ghanaian nationals in the airline’s workforce indicated the strong people-to-people relationship that had existed between Ghana and Nigeria.

In his response, Abu expressed appreciation for the visit and lauded UNA for the quality of its service on the Accra route.

He said the High Commission was interested in developing stronger ties with the airline, particularly in areas that could promote closer relations between Ghana and Nigeria.

The High Commissioner also informed the UNA delegation that Ghana would commemorate its 70th Independence Anniversary on March 6, 2027.

He therefore invited the airline to explore partnership opportunities around activities planned to mark the anniversary.

Abu further requested UNA to consider providing a special corporate travel package for staff of the High Commission, as well as supporting arrangements for official cargo.

The UNA delegation welcomed the requests and expressed its readiness to explore areas of cooperation with the High Commission.

Presenting a signature gift to the High Commissioner, Awute reiterated the airline’s commitment to deepening the relationship between Ghana and Nigeria.

He assured that UNA would continue to leverage its connectivity between the two countries to advance diplomatic, economic, business and cultural relations, as well as people-to-people exchanges.

He emphasised that the airline’s brand philosophy, ‘Flying to Unite,’ remained central to its efforts to use air connectivity as a tool for bringing people and economies closer together.