The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to prioritise direct flight connections between Nigeria and China, rejecting a proposal to revive the defunct Nigeria Airways.

The lawmakers urged the Ministry of Aviation to review and renegotiate the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between both countries to guarantee Nigerian airlines access to direct commercial flight routes to China.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, who raised concerns over the existing aviation arrangement and what he described as an imbalance in flight operations between the two countries.

Monguno argued that Nigeria should benefit more from its aviation partnership with China, particularly given the large populations of Nigerians and Chinese citizens living in each other’s countries.

He also highlighted the growing economic relationship between both nations, noting that improved air connectivity would reduce travel time, facilitate trade, strengthen supply chains and minimise foreign exchange spent on international travel.

During deliberations, Senator Abdul Ningi also questioned the benefits Nigeria was receiving from its economic relationship with China, arguing that the country was not enjoying opportunities commensurate with the partnership.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed concern over the unequal access enjoyed by airlines from both countries. He warned that Nigeria might reconsider the privileges currently granted to Chinese carriers if Nigerian airlines continued to face restrictions in accessing China’s aviation market.

The debate also turned to Nigeria’s efforts to establish a national carrier after Senator Ned Nwoko proposed bringing back the defunct Nigeria Airways.

Akpabio questioned the practicality of reviving an airline that had been out of operation for decades, arguing that the country should focus on developing a sustainable national carrier instead.

He recalled that Nigeria Airways once operated a fleet of nearly 40 aircraft, stressing the importance of having a Nigerian-owned airline capable of serving international routes and easing the difficulties faced by local air travellers.

The Senate subsequently urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to begin diplomatic engagements with Chinese authorities to facilitate business visa processing for Nigerian traders and secure reciprocal airport slot allocations for Nigerian airlines.

It also directed its Committees on Aviation and Foreign Affairs to monitor the implementation of its resolutions and report back within four weeks.

Sources: Premium Times, Channels Television, TheCable and Punch.