Senate Rejects Revival of Nigeria Airways, Pushes for New Carrier

On November 1, 2026, the Nigerian Senate rejected a proposal to revive the defunct Nigeria Airways and Air Nigeria, labeling them as dead entities. Senate President Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom North) emphasized that reviving such airlines was not feasible, citing the country's inability to provide aircraft for hire.

The Senate instead called on the Federal Government to establish a new, viable national carrier and to enhance direct flights between Nigeria and China. This decision followed a motion by Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno (Borno North), who highlighted the importance of enforcing the Bilateral Air Services Agreement with China.

The Senate urged the government to renegotiate this agreement to allow Nigerian airlines reciprocal access to Chinese airports. Additionally, they directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage with Chinese authorities on easing business visa processes for Nigerian traders.

The Senate committees on Aviation and Foreign Affairs were tasked with monitoring compliance and reporting back within four weeks.