By Our Reporter
The Senate has rejected calls for the revival of Nigeria Air, urging the Federal Government instead to renegotiate the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with China to secure direct commercial flights for Nigerian airlines.
The lawmakers called for a review and enforcement of the existing aviation agreement to address what they described as an imbalance in flight operations between the two countries and ensure that Nigerian carriers enjoy reciprocal access to Chinese airports.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, who highlighted the need to review and enforce the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Nigeria and China.
Monguno noted that both countries had substantial populations of citizens residing in each other’s territories, creating considerable demand for direct air connectivity.
He argued that establishing direct flight operations would reduce travel time, improve supply-chain efficiency, boost bilateral trade and minimise foreign exchange outflows associated with international travel.
The senator also highlighted the growing economic relationship between Nigeria and China, noting that the presence of more than one million Nigerians in China and over 500,000 Chinese nationals in Nigeria underscored the importance of stronger aviation links.
He maintained that Nigeria should maximise the economic opportunities arising from its relationship with the Asian country.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Abdul Ningi argued that Nigeria was not enjoying commensurate benefits from its relationship with China despite the country’s growing influence in the global economy.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio warned that Nigeria might need to reconsider the privileges granted to Chinese airlines if Nigerian carriers continued to be denied reciprocal access to operate direct flights to China.
The Senate consequently urged the Ministry of Aviation to renegotiate the agreement and establish direct commercial air links between both countries.
It also called on the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to initiate diplomatic discussions with China on facilitating business visas for Nigerian traders and securing reciprocal slot allocations at Chinese airports.
Meanwhile, a separate proposal by Senator Ned Nwoko seeking the revival of Nigeria Airways generated debate among lawmakers.
Akpabio questioned the rationale behind reviving the defunct national airline, arguing that the country should focus on establishing a viable national carrier rather than attempting to resurrect an airline that had ceased operations many years ago.
“We can’t revive what is already dead. Did Nigerian Airways ever work?” he asked.
Although he acknowledged the importance of having a Nigerian-owned airline, the Senate President recalled that the country once operated a fleet of nearly 40 aircraft.
He urged the Federal Government to explore sustainable options for establishing a functional national carrier capable of addressing the difficulties faced by Nigerian air travellers.
The Senate’s position signals a preference for strengthening Nigeria’s aviation industry through reciprocal international agreements and the development of a viable national carrier rather than simply reviving the defunct Nigeria Airways.