BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Barely three years after it commenced scheduled operations, Nigerian flag carrier ValueJet, is accelerating its regional expansion with the introduction of direct flights from Lagos to Cotonou (Benin Republic), Accra (Ghana), and Malabo (Equatorial Guinea).
The announcement marks the second phase of the airline’s ambitious West African growth strategy, following the successful launch of its Lagos–Banjul service on May 15, 2025.
That route, which opened up The Gambia’s capital to more travellers, has been hailed as a market liberaliser, attracting leisure tourists, frequent flyers, and business professionals alike.
ValueJet’s Managing Director, Captain Omololu Dapo Majekodunmi, said the new destinations reaffirm the airline’s mission to connect West Africa more seamlessly and unlock the region’s economic potential.
“Our goal is to make air connectivity on the West Coast and indeed Africa seamless, comfortable, affordable and a refreshing experience.
“We are ready to take up the challenge and kick off the second phase of our regional operations with the commencement of our Cotonou, Accra and Malabo services very soon”, the CEO said.
He added that the expansion is both strategic and deliberate. “We are expanding our West African presence to strategically connect key cities in the sub-region, ease connectivity for Africans and strengthen commercial ties between countries.”
The airline, he explained, is not only focused on widening its network but also on strengthening its operational capabilities.
“ValueJet is committed to easing the air transportation burden of Africans, and this will continue to drive our route expansion as well as fleet modernisation. We also recently received CRJ 1000 aircraft to further strengthen our domestic and regional operations,” he noted.
With these new additions, ValueJet, he said the airline, is painstakingly positioning itself as a formidable force in the West African aviation market by offering travellers more options and fostering deeper economic integration across the sub-region.
