Nigerian Senate Rejects Revival of Nigeria Air, Demands Direct Flights to China

The Senate has rejected calls for the revival of Nigeria Air, while urging the Federal Government to renegotiate and enforce Nigeria's 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 arrangement needs to be reviewed to address the imbalance in flight operations between both countries and ensure that Nigerian carriers enjoy reciprocal access to China directly.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, who drew attention to the need to enforce and review the BASA between Nigeria and China.

Monguno noted that Nigeria and China have significant populations of citizens living in each other's territories, creating substantial demand for direct air connectivity.

He argued that a more balanced agreement would reduce travel time, improve supply-chain efficiency, boost trade and limit foreign exchange outflows associated with international travel.

"Also aware that the population of Nigerians in China is more than 1,000,000 people, while that of China in Nigeria is more than 500,000 and this has generated the interest of China in Nigeria because it is Africa's most populous nation and largest economy, offering massive markets on African continent."

The Senate also noted the growing trade relationship between both countries and the need for Nigeria to maximize the economic benefits of that partnership.

Contributing to the debate, Senator 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.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, however, warned that Nigeria might have to reconsider the privileges granted to Chinese airlines if Nigerian carriers were not allowed 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.

However, an additional prayer by Senator Ned Nwoko, calling on the Federal Government to revive Nigeria Airways, sparked additional debate.

Akpabio questioned the wisdom of reviving an airline that had long ceased operations.

"We can't revive what is already dead. Did Nigerian Airways ever work?" he asked.

While acknowledging the importance of having a Nigerian-owned airline, Akpabio recalled that the country once operated a fleet of nearly 40 aircraft.

He urged the Federal Government to explore ways of establishing a viable national carrier to ease the challenges confronting Nigerian air travellers.

The Senate also urged the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to initiate diplomatic talks with China regarding business visa facilitation for Nigerian traders and reciprocal slot allocations to Chinese airports.