Senate Rejects Nigeria Air Revival, Seeks Direct Flights to China

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Senate has rejected calls for the revival of Nigeria Air, instead urging the federal government to renegotiate its Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with China to allow Nigerian airlines to operate direct flights to the Asian country.

The lawmakers said the existing aviation agreement should be reviewed to address the imbalance in flight operations between both countries and ensure Nigerian carriers enjoy reciprocal access to Chinese airports.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Senate Chief Whip, Mr Tahir Monguno, who called for the enforcement and review of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Nigeria and China.

Mr Monguno noted that the large populations of Nigerians living in China and Chinese nationals residing in Nigeria had created significant demand for direct air connectivity between the two countries.

He said improved air links would reduce travel time, enhance supply-chain efficiency, boost bilateral trade and limit foreign exchange outflows associated with international travel.

The Senate also noted the growing trade relationship between Nigeria and China and the need for the country to maximise the economic benefits of the partnership.

Contributing to the debate, Mr Abdul Ningi argued that Nigeria was not receiving commensurate benefits from its relationship with China, despite the Asian country’s growing influence in the global economy.

The Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio, warned that Nigeria might need to reconsider the privileges granted to Chinese airlines if Nigerian carriers were denied reciprocal access to operate direct flights to China.

The Senate consequently urged the Ministry of Aviation to renegotiate the agreement to establish direct commercial air links between both countries.

Meanwhile, Mr Ned Nwoko separately called for the revival of Nigeria Airways, generating further debate among lawmakers.

Mr Akpabio questioned the feasibility of reviving the defunct national carrier, noting that the airline had long ceased operations.

While acknowledging the importance of having a Nigerian-owned airline, he recalled that the country once operated a fleet of nearly 40 aircraft and urged the federal government to explore ways of establishing a viable national carrier to address challenges facing Nigerian air travellers.

The Senate also urged the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to initiate diplomatic discussions with China on facilitating business visas for Nigerian traders and securing reciprocal airport slot allocations.