British High Commission Set Up London-Style Phone Booth at Lagos Airport

The British High Commission has unveiled a replica of a London telephone booth at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) to commemorate the launch of its "JollofandTea" campaign in Lagos.

Aseosa Uwagboe, the commission's Head of Communications, advised the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the initiative seeks to foster cultural and creative collaborations between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

She explained that the campaign features a physical activation of iconic British phone booths, intended to highlight the links between the UK and Nigeria across various sectors, including art, fashion, sports, education, and transportation.

Additionally, she mentioned that more phone booths will be introduced in other prominent locations throughout Lagos and Abuja.

“We are so excited to be here today to launch the first phone booth for Jollof and Tea. This is our new campaign to support the link between the UK and Nigeria, from our education to obviously transport. 

“We are so excited to be working with the airport to have this done today. We really encourage everyone to find our booths located around Lagos and Abuja,” Uwagboe said. 

Elaborating on the rationale behind the booth's artwork, she elucidated:

“We really want people to enjoy and have a feel of the booth when they come across one, and if you have a look, you will see some of the iconic transport mediums in Lagos or Nigeria. 

“Specifically, we have the Third Mainland Bridge, the underground as well, just to show the different connections between our countries. 

“We encourage people to find the booths around Lagos and Abuja. Tag ‘JollofandTea’ when you share on your social media handles and follow the UK in Nigeria,” she said. 

In discussing the collaboration with MMA2, Mr. Remi Jibodu, the Acting Chief Operating Officer and Head of Aeronautics at Bi-Courtney Aviation Services, emphasized that it would enhance the cultural ties between the two nations. 

He noted that the installation serves as a historical opportunity for individuals to understand the nature of the relationship shared by both countries. Jibodu also highlighted the strategic advantage for Bi-Courtney, as it is the leading airport in Nigeria, catering to a diverse passenger demographic. 

"This collaboration is something we value greatly. The variety of people who visit us is why we consider MMA2 to be more than just a terminal," he stated.

The JollofandTea campaign was inaugurated on November 4 by Jonny Baxter, the British Deputy High Commissioner. Baxter explained that the initiative aims to highlight the partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, especially within the creative and cultural domains. 

He added that the campaign would enhance awareness of the existing ties between the two countries and further advance ongoing efforts to strengthen connections among their peoples.