BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
In a strategic move aimed at boosting convenience for Nigeria’s bustling trading community, the Ndị IgboAmaka Progressive Markets Association has formally adopted United Nigeria Airlines as its official airline partner.
The partnership, cemented through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Lagos by the association’s President, Chinedu Ukatu, and United Nigeria Airlines Managing Director, Mazi Osita Okonkwo, will offer members, their families, and business associates a suite of exclusive travel benefits.
These include discounted fares, priority services, and access to airline lounges across the carrier’s domestic network.
To launch the collaboration, United Nigeria Airlines unveiled a special offer of 50 tickets at a rebated fare of ₦80,000 for association members, marking the beginning of what the airline describes as a “truly rewarding travel experience” for traders.
Okonkwo said the partnership aligns with the airline’s mission to support Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.
“This partnership is about making travel easier, faster, and more rewarding for traders and their customers,” he said, highlighting the airline’s strong safety record and service quality as key reasons for the collaboration.
Ukatu hailed the agreement as a strategic milestone, pointing to the longstanding ties between the airline and the association, and the involvement of Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, as Grand Patron.
“United Nigeria Airlines’ commitment to service excellence and its ‘Flying to Unite’ philosophy make it the natural choice for our members,” he said.
With over 10 million traders operating within Lagos’ commercial network, the partnership promises to enhance mobility, strengthen business links, and simplify travel for a sector that underpins Nigeria’s economy.
Both parties expressed optimism that this collaboration will serve as a blueprint for future airline-industry partnerships targeting key economic stakeholders.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
