Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has openly praised Air Peace after flying on the airline’s Lagos–London route with the company’s founder and Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema.
A video from the trip, which quickly spread across social media, showed Obasanjo speaking with Onyema during the flight. In the clip, the former president described the airline as “a necessity,” a statement that has attracted widespread public attention and sparked conversations about the reputation of Nigerian airlines.
The simple remark from Obasanjo immediately generated reactions online, with many Nigerians seeing it as a strong endorsement of the airline’s services, safety standards and growing international presence.
During the flight, Obasanjo said, “Air Peace is a necessity,” a comment many supporters of the airline considered an important vote of confidence in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The former president, who governed Nigeria from 1999 to 2007, is widely respected across the country, and his public support for the airline added fresh attention to the company’s achievements in recent years.
Following the release of the video, several social media users praised Air Peace and highlighted its focus on safety and customer service. Some users described the airline as one of the most trusted carriers in Nigeria and Africa.
One social media user, identified as @AviationGist_hub, praised the airline’s safety culture and claimed that many influential Nigerians trust the carrier because of its strong operational standards. Another user, @Remilekun_Joyce, also shared positive comments about the interaction between Obasanjo and Onyema, describing the former president as warm and supportive.
Industry experts say endorsements from respected public figures can greatly influence public confidence, especially in the aviation sector where passengers place high importance on safety, reliability and comfort.
Founded in 2013 by Onyema, Air Peace has grown rapidly to become one of Nigeria’s leading privately-owned airlines. The company operates several domestic routes across Nigeria, as well as regional and international services.
The airline’s Lagos–London route is one of its most notable international operations and forms part of its wider expansion strategy aimed at increasing its global presence.
Over the years, Air Peace has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to international safety standards, regulatory compliance and fleet development. The airline has also invested heavily in expanding its aircraft fleet and improving passenger experience as competition in the aviation industry continues to grow.
Many observers believe Obasanjo’s public endorsement could further strengthen the airline’s image both locally and internationally. Some aviation analysts also noted that positive recognition from respected national figures can help encourage more Nigerians to support indigenous airlines.
The viral video has continued to trend online, with many Nigerians discussing the importance of supporting local businesses that are competing on the international stage.
