United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited is set to become the first domestic operator to issue commercial paper with a first tranche of ₦20 billion.

According to its September 2026 investor presentation, which outlined its financial performance and five-year expansion strategy, the airline will issue the commercial paper in series one and two, with tenors of 270 days and 364 days. The proposed issuance is the first under the airline’s ₦100 billion commercial paper programme.

Meristem Capital Limited is the lead arranger, with Cordros Advisory Services Limited, Coronation Merchant Bank Limited, FCMB Capital Markets Limited, FSL Advisory Limited, and Quantum Zenith Capital & Investments Limited as dealers. The issue comes as the airline seeks to strengthen its financial position and expand domestic, regional and international operations.

United Nigeria Airlines also secured investment-grade ratings from two rating agencies. Agusto & Co. rated it A3 for the short term and BBB- for the long term, with a stable outlook, and DataPro assigned short-term and long-term ratings of A1 and BBB.

The company’s stellar performance is evident in its financials. United Nigeria grew revenue from ₦10.3 billion in FY2021 to ₦90.8 billion in FY2025. Profit after tax increased from ₦1.3 billion to ₦23.8 billion over the same period.

It recorded revenue of ₦95.6 billion in the first half of 2026, and its August performance was resilient, with turnover rising to ₦19.4 billion from ₦14.1 billion in July, while it returned to a net profit of ₦1.2 billion. The airline expressed optimism that its performance for the rest of the year and beyond would continue on an upward trajectory.

The airline currently operates 10 aircraft, including Embraer ERJ-145, Boeing 737-800, Embraer E190 and CRJ900. It plans to receive six more aircraft before the end of the year. United Nigeria Airlines currently serves 14 destinations across Nigeria and Ghana and has secured approval to operate as a flag carrier to six international destinations.

The airline also secured GDS agreements with Amadeus and Sabre, allowing travel agents worldwide to access its ticket inventory. It has been an IOSA-certified operator since 2022 and an IATA member airline. In 2026, it signed the IATA Multilateral Interline Traffic Agreement and became a full member of the African Airlines Association. (The Nation)