Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has openly praised Air Peace after travelling on the airline’s Lagos–London flight with the carrier’s founder and Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema.
A video clip from the trip, which has gone viral on social media, showed Obasanjo speaking warmly about the airline while seated beside Onyema during the international flight. In the short clip, the former president described Air Peace as “a necessity,” a statement that quickly attracted reactions from Nigerians online and renewed public discussion about confidence in the country’s aviation sector.
“Air Peace is a necessity,” Obasanjo said during the conversation on board the flight from Lagos to London.
The former president’s remarks were widely shared across several social media platforms, with many Nigerians interpreting the comment as a major endorsement of the airline’s operations, safety standards and growing international presence.
Supporters of the airline said Obasanjo’s statement reflected the increasing role Air Peace has come to play in Nigeria’s aviation industry, especially at a time when many travellers are seeking reliable and affordable options for international travel.
Some users on social media also described the former president’s comments as significant because of his status as one of Nigeria’s most recognised political figures and elder statesmen. Others said the endorsement could further improve public confidence in indigenous airlines competing on major international routes.
Air Peace, founded in 2013 by Onyema, has grown from a local operator into one of Nigeria’s largest privately-owned airlines. The company currently operates domestic flights across several Nigerian cities, regional services within West Africa, and international routes including London.
The Lagos–London route is considered one of the airline’s most ambitious projects since it began international expansion. The launch of the route drew attention within the aviation industry because it placed a Nigerian carrier in direct competition with established foreign airlines operating between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
For years, many Nigerian travellers relied heavily on foreign airlines for long-distance international flights, especially on the busy Nigeria–UK route. Aviation analysts say Air Peace’s entry into the market introduced more competition and offered passengers additional choices.
The airline has also promoted itself as a carrier focused on national pride and economic development by creating jobs and expanding local participation in the aviation industry. Onyema has repeatedly said the airline’s goal is to make air travel more accessible for Nigerians while maintaining international standards.
Despite these difficulties, Air Peace has continued expanding its fleet and route network. The airline has consistently stated that it remains committed to safety, regulatory compliance and improved customer service.
Obasanjo’s public comments are therefore being viewed by many as a strong vote of confidence in the airline at a time when trust is important within the aviation sector.
The former president has over the years spoken openly about the need to support Nigerian businesses capable of competing globally. His latest remarks are expected to further strengthen the public image of Air Peace, especially among Nigerians who see indigenous companies succeeding in international markets as a source of national pride.
The viral video has also generated conversations about the progress of Nigeria’s aviation industry and the ability of local operators to sustain international operations successfully.
Some aviation stakeholders believe indigenous airlines need stronger government support to compete effectively with foreign carriers that dominate many international routes linked to Nigeria. They argue that policies that reduce operational costs and improve airport infrastructure would help local airlines grow further.
Air Peace has in recent years expanded aggressively, adding more aircraft to its fleet and increasing its presence across Africa and beyond. The airline has also been involved in several humanitarian and evacuation missions, including flights organized to assist Nigerians during periods of crisis in other countries.
Onyema himself has often been praised by supporters for promoting local investment and defending the role of Nigerian-owned businesses in strategic sectors of the economy.
While reactions to Obasanjo’s comments continue online, many travellers and industry watchers see the development as another major publicity boost for the airline’s international operations.
For Air Peace, the endorsement from a former Nigerian president may further strengthen its reputation as it seeks to expand its footprint in the highly competitive global aviation market.
The airline is expected to continue pushing for growth on its international routes while maintaining focus on safety and service delivery, areas many passengers consider critical when choosing an airline.