Senate Rejects National Carrier, Advocates Direct Flights to China

The Nigerian Senate has decided against reviving a national carrier, asserting that any such proposal must undergo a separate legislative process. This decision came during discussions on a motion led by Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North), who called for the renegotiation of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with China to ensure reciprocal flight rights for Nigerian airlines.

Monguno highlighted that bilateral trade between Nigeria and China reached $18 billion in the first half of 2025, a 25 percent increase year-on-year, and emphasized the necessity of direct air connectivity due to the significant number of Nigerians residing in China and vice versa. He argued that effective implementation of the BASA could enhance the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport as major aviation hubs, benefiting various sectors including non-oil exports.

Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi (Bauchi Central) supported the motion but raised concerns about illegal mining activities by Chinese nationals in Nigeria.