Nigeria’s aviation future has come under fresh scrutiny as the Senate rejects calls to revive the defunct Nigeria Air, instead pushing for direct flights between Nigeria and China to strengthen trade, improve connectivity and protect the interests of local airlines.
The lawmakers have called on the Federal Government to renegotiate and enforce the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with China, arguing that the existing arrangement does not provide Nigerian carriers with sufficient access to the Asian market.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, who highlighted the need to address the imbalance in flight operations between the two countries.
Monguno noted that the sizeable Nigerian and Chinese communities living in each other’s countries had created substantial demand for direct air services.
He argued that improved connectivity would reduce travel time, facilitate business transactions, strengthen supply chains and limit foreign exchange spent on international travel.
The Senate also recognised the expanding economic relationship between Nigeria and China, stressing that both countries should enjoy fair and reciprocal benefits from their aviation partnership.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Abdul Ningi expressed concern that Nigeria was not gaining adequate economic advantages from its relationship with China, despite the Asian nation’s growing global influence.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio warned that Nigeria could reconsider the flight privileges currently enjoyed by Chinese airlines if Nigerian carriers continued to face restrictions in accessing China’s aviation market.
The Senate subsequently urged the Ministry of Aviation to reopen negotiations with Chinese authorities to secure reciprocal access and establish direct commercial flight operations between both countries.
However, a separate proposal by Senator Ned Nwoko seeking the revival of the defunct Nigeria Airways generated debate among lawmakers.
Akpabio questioned the practicality of bringing back an airline that had been grounded for decades, while emphasising the need for Nigeria to establish a sustainable national carrier.
He recalled that Nigeria Airways once operated a fleet of nearly 40 aircraft, arguing that the country should explore viable options for rebuilding its aviation capacity rather than simply attempting to restore the defunct airline.
The Senate further urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to commence diplomatic engagements with China to facilitate business visas for Nigerian traders and secure reciprocal airport slot allocations for airlines from both countries.
