Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce Honours British Airways

The efforts of leading airline British Airways in service provision in the aviation industry and the promotion of exclusive bilateral business and investment activities between Nigerian and Britain has been recognized by the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC). The recognition came at the 2013 annual Presidential Dinner and Awards which held in Lagos Friday.

Presenting an award to the airline, President of the chamber, Prince Adeyemi Adefulu noted that British Airways has played significant role in fostering bilateral relations, business and investment between Nigeria and Britain which is in line with some of the core objectives of the Chamber.

“The role that the British Airways has continued to play in encouraging and fostering business and economic activities between Nigeria and Britain cannot be overemphasized. It dates back to the formation of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce and the role played by the then Chairman of British Caledonian, Sir Adam Thompson,” he said.

The award was received on behalf of the airline by the Trade Sales Manager, British Airways Nigeria, Mr. Ademola Sanya, who thanked the Chamber for the recognition. He used the occasion to restate British Airways commitment to the development of the Nigerian aviation industry and tourism sector, and by extension the Nigerian economy.

According to Sanya, apart from facilitating businesses between Nigeria and Britain through its services, the airline has been encouraging small and medium scale industries in the country through several initiatives as part of its commitment to keep entrepreneurship alive and to help stimulate local businesses.

“We currently have an initiative known as On Business, a unique loyalty programme designed to help small companies make the most of their travel budgets. In 2011, we also launched the Business Opportunity Grants programme through which we gave free Business Class tickets to 50 SMEs across the country to travel to any part of the world to conduct their businesses. We came up with these initiatives because we understand the difficulties small and medium sized businesses can face when it comes to travel budgets, and we realise the benefits of meeting their clients face to face, wherever they are,” he said.

Earlier in his welcome remark, Adefulu who was elected as the 13th President of the NBCC promised to reposition the Chamber. He noted that the Chamber has continued to grow from strength to strength since it was formed due largely to the efforts of the late Henry Fajemirokun and Sir Adam Thompson.

“The Chamber has been blessed with energetic men of vision, talents and wisdom who have directed the affairs of the chamber since inception in 1977. Their efforts have earned the Chamber a steady and stable growth from about 20 founding members to about 350 corporate members today.

“It is only expected that the new leadership of the Chamber will improve on the achievements of the past leadership and further strengthen the existing business and bilateral bond between the two countries to the mutual benefits of both countries,” he stated.