The Nigerian Senate has rejected proposals to revive the controversial Nigeria Air project while urging the Federal Government to renegotiate its aviation agreement with China to secure direct flight opportunities for Nigerian airlines.
The decision followed deliberations during Tuesday’s plenary on November 3, 2026, over the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and China.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said reviving the failed Nigeria Air contracts would be unproductive, although he maintained that Nigeria still needed a functional national carrier capable of competing internationally.
Senate Demands Equal Flight Rights With China
The motion, sponsored by Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, representing Borno North, called for a review of the existing aviation agreement to ensure Nigerian airlines enjoy the same operational privileges granted to Chinese carriers.
Monguno argued that the absence of direct flights by Nigerian airlines to China had increased travel difficulties for passengers and limited opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
He explained that improved air connectivity could reduce travel time, strengthen bilateral trade, support non-oil exports and create additional opportunities for Nigerian aviation operators.
Lawmakers also urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage Chinese authorities on business visa facilitation and reciprocal airport slot allocations for Nigerian carriers.
Akpabio Calls for a New National Carrier
During the debate, Akpabio recalled the operations of the defunct Nigeria Airways, which once maintained a fleet of approximately 32 to 40 aircraft serving domestic and international destinations.
He questioned how Nigeria had moved from operating a national airline to depending heavily on private and foreign carriers for air transportation.
Although lawmakers rejected reviving the previous Nigeria Air contracts, Akpabio encouraged fresh consideration of a viable national airline that would operate under the Nigerian flag.
The Senate President also expressed concern about the capacity of private airlines to handle growing passenger demand, particularly during the December festive season and political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Senate Gives Committees Four Weeks
Following the debate, the Senate adopted the motion calling for reciprocal flight rights between Nigeria and China.
Lawmakers urged the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to review the existing agreement and pursue arrangements that would enable Nigerian airlines to operate direct commercial flights to China.
The Senate also directed its relevant committees to monitor implementation and report back within four weeks.
The resolution places renewed attention on Nigeria’s international aviation agreements, the competitiveness of domestic airlines and the country’s long-running efforts to establish a sustainable national carrier.
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