The Nigerian Senate has rejected calls for the revival of Nigeria Airways, instead urging the Federal Government to strengthen its aviation relationship with China by renegotiating the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).
The lawmakers called for a review and enforcement of the agreement to enable Nigerian airlines to operate direct commercial flights to China, arguing that the current arrangement does not provide sufficient reciprocal benefits for the country’s aviation sector.
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 Nigeria and China.
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 both countries.
He argued that allowing Nigerian carriers to operate direct flights to China would reduce travel time, improve supply-chain efficiency, promote international trade and minimise foreign exchange outflows associated with overseas travel.
The senator also emphasised the growing economic relationship between both countries, urging Nigeria to take advantage of the opportunities presented by its partnership with China.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Abdul Ningi expressed concern that Nigeria was not benefiting adequately from its relationship with China, despite the Asian country’s growing influence in the global economy.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also warned that Nigeria might need to reconsider the privileges currently enjoyed by Chinese airlines if Nigerian carriers continued to face restrictions in accessing Chinese airports.
Following deliberations, the Senate urged the Ministry of Aviation to renegotiate the agreement to establish direct commercial air connections between the two countries.
However, the debate took another turn when Senator Ned Nwoko proposed an additional prayer calling on the Federal Government to revive the defunct Nigeria Airways.
Responding to the proposal, Akpabio questioned the practicality of reviving 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 national carrier, the Senate President recalled that the country once operated a fleet of nearly 40 aircraft.
He urged the Federal Government to explore sustainable ways of establishing a viable national airline capable of addressing the difficulties faced by Nigerian air travellers.
The Senate also called on the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to commence diplomatic engagements with China to facilitate business visas for Nigerian traders and secure reciprocal airport slot allocations.
The lawmakers maintained that improving aviation access between both countries would strengthen economic relations, expand trade opportunities and create better conditions for Nigerian businesses operating in China.
