Senate Blocks Nigeria Airways Revival, Demands Direct Flights to China

The Nigerian Senate has rejected proposals to bring back Nigeria Airways and Air Nigeria, instead calling on the Federal Government to establish a completely new national carrier. The decision came during debate on a motion filed by Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno, which focused on renegotiating the Bilateral Air Service Agreement between Nigeria and China.

Lawmakers determined that the old airlines are defunct entities that cannot simply be restored and that creating a fresh national carrier would be a better approach than attempting to resurrect abandoned operations. The Senate's primary concern centers on unequal treatment in Nigeria's aviation ties with China.

Lawmakers warned that Chinese airlines operating in Nigerian airspace currently enjoy privileges that are not extended to Nigerian carriers seeking to operate direct routes into China. The upper chamber has signaled it will pressure the Federal Government to enforce reciprocal rights through renegotiation of the bilateral agreement.

The Senate threatened to review the existing accord if Nigerian airlines are not granted equal access to Chinese routes. Several senators voiced support for establishing a new national carrier during the debate, though the chamber determined that any formal proposal on carrier revival would require a separate motion for proper legislative consideration.

The focus of Tuesday's proceedings remained on securing direct flight opportunities for indigenous operators to China rather than pursuing the resurrection of previous airline ventures. The motion was seconded by Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi of Bauchi Central.

The Senate's position reflects growing scrutiny of Nigeria's international aviation agreements and the protection of domestic airline interests. The rejection of the revival proposal and the demand for reciprocal flight rights represent the legislature's attempt to ensure Nigerian carriers compete on equal footing with foreign operators in bilateral arrangements.

The Federal Government has been tasked with pursuing these aviation negotiations with China.