APG Global Associates Network Limited has been appointed General Sales Agent for Etihad Airways in Nigeria, marking a key development in the UAE carrier’s expansion strategy in West Africa.
The appointment was formalized with the signing of a Letter of Intent at the Legend Hotel, Lagos on Saturday, July 25, 2026. The agreement positions APG Nigeria, the Nigerian affiliate of APG Inc., as the commercial representative for Etihad in Africa’s largest aviation and business travel market.
Executives from both organizations attended the ceremony. Representing Etihad Airways were Mr. Javier Alija, Vice President, Global Sales & Distribution, and Mr. Khaleefa Mohamed Al Hammadi, Regional General Manager of Sales, Digital and Distribution. The APG Nigeria delegation was led by Mr. Olufemi Adefope, Group Chairman; Mr. Christopher Isaiah, Group General Manager, Commercial; and Mrs. Gloria Atumu, General Manager, APG Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Alija underscored the market significance of Nigeria to Etihad’s network: “Nigeria represents one of the most important aviation markets in Africa, and we are delighted to partner with APG Nigeria as we strengthen our commercial presence,” he stated.
Mr. Adefope described the mandate as a validation of APG Nigeria’s capabilities in airline representation: “We are honored by the confidence Etihad Airways has placed in our organization. This appointment reinforces our position as Nigeria’s foremost airline representation company, consistently delivering commercial excellence for leading airlines. We are fully committed to developing the Etihad brand in Nigeria, expanding its market presence, and creating sustainable long-term value for the airline,” he said.
Mr. Christopher Isaiah outlined the commercial approach for the partnership: “Etihad Airways is one of the world’s most respected premium airlines, renowned for innovation, service excellence, and global connectivity through Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s fastest growing global aviation hubs.”
He went on to add, “Our commercial strategy will focus on building strong relationships with the travel trade, corporate organizations, government institutions, and key travel management companies while delivering measurable revenue growth and market share to Etihad. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership presents and are committed to establishing Etihad Airways as a preferred airline for travelers from and to Nigeria.”
The airline has scheduled the commencement of daily operations to and from Lagos for March 18, 2027. The service will be operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft and will offer single-connection access from Lagos to over 120 destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, North America and Australia via Abu Dhabi.
