BY AHMED AKANBI
The Senate has rejected calls to revive Nigeria Air, while urging the Federal Government to renegotiate its Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with China to allow Nigerian airlines operate direct flights to the Asian country.
The Red Chamber said the existing aviation arrangement must be reviewed to address imbalance in flight operations and ensure Nigerian carriers enjoy reciprocal access to China.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, on enforcement and review of the BASA between Nigeria and China.
Monguno noted that Nigeria and China have significant populations living in each other’s territories, creating substantial demand for direct air connectivity.
He argued a more balanced agreement would cut travel time, improve supply-chain efficiency, boost trade and limit foreign exchange outflows from international travel.
He said over 1,000,000 Nigerians live in China, while over 500,000 Chinese live in Nigeria, a reality that has drawn China’s interest because Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy.
The Senate also noted the growing trade relationship between both countries and the need for Nigeria to maximise economic benefits from the partnership.
Contributing, Senator Abdul Ningi argued Nigeria was not receiving commensurate benefits from its relationship with China, despite the Asian country’s growing global influence.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio warned Nigeria might reconsider 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 for revival of Nigeria Airways sparked fresh debate.
Akpabio questioned the wisdom of reviving an airline long dead, asking: “We can’t revive what is already dead. Did Nigerian Airways ever work?”
While acknowledging the importance of a Nigerian-owned airline, Akpabio recalled the country once operated a fleet of nearly 40 aircraft, and urged government to explore ways of establishing a viable national carrier to ease challenges facing Nigerian travellers.
The Senate also urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to initiate diplomatic talks with China on business visa facilitation for Nigerian traders and reciprocal slot allocations at Chinese airports.