United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has named one of its aircraft after former Ghanaian President Jerry John Rawlings, celebrating his Pan-African ideals and contributions to West African integration. The airline also announced the start of direct commercial flights on the Lagos–Accra and Abuja–Accra routes.

The airline’s Chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), shared the news in Abuja during a mock arrival and departure exercise at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. He revealed that members of the Rawlings family will attend the formal unveiling ceremony in Accra on Monday.

Okonkwo explained that the new routes aim to strengthen UNA’s presence in the West African aviation market, following the airline’s successful domestic operations. He added that UNA plans to expand its fleet with six additional aircraft in the coming months to improve connectivity across ECOWAS, facilitate trade, and provide Nigerian travelers with homegrown options instead of relying primarily on foreign carriers.

Highlighting market potential, Okonkwo said more than 200,000 passengers travel the Lagos–Accra corridor annually. “Even before our maiden flight, we saw strong market interest. Our entry alone reduced Abuja–Accra fares by almost 50 percent, demonstrating the value of Nigerian participation,” he noted.

Okonkwo also emphasized UNA’s commitment to high safety standards, with pilots re-certifying every six months—half the interval typical in Europe and the United States.

However, he criticized Nigeria’s aviation tax regime, calling it one of the most over-taxed in Africa. While Ghana charges $60 as a passenger service fee at international terminals, Nigeria charges $100. On a Lagos–Accra return ticket, taxes alone can exceed $116, contributing to high fares.

He urged the government to ease tax pressures and provide single-window aviation financing, stressing that robust flight connectivity is essential for economic growth. “There is no trillion-dollar economy without flight connectivity,” Okonkwo said. “Aviation is the enabler—if people cannot move, commerce cannot expand.”