By Wasila Yakubu
Lawmakers call for a review of the aviation agreement with Beijing, seeking reciprocal flight rights for Nigerian carriers, improved trade opportunities and easier travel for businesspeople.
The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to secure direct commercial flight connections between Nigeria and China, insisting that Nigerian airlines should enjoy the same operational opportunities granted to Chinese carriers.
The lawmakers want the government to renegotiate and enforce the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between the two countries to address what they consider an imbalance in international flight operations.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, who highlighted the need for a more favourable aviation arrangement that would allow Nigerian carriers to fly directly to China.
Monguno argued that the growing movement of people, goods and business interests between the two countries had made direct air connectivity increasingly important.
He pointed to the substantial Nigerian and Chinese populations living in each other's countries, noting that improved flight connections would make travel easier and strengthen economic cooperation.
The senator maintained that a properly negotiated agreement would reduce travel time, improve the movement of goods through international supply chains, encourage commercial activities and minimise foreign exchange spending associated with connecting flights.
He also emphasised China's economic importance to Nigeria, describing the Asian country as a major trading partner whose relationship with Africa's most populous nation and largest economy presents considerable opportunities.
During the debate, Senator Abdul Ningi questioned whether Nigeria was benefiting adequately from its economic relationship with China, given the Asian country's growing position in global commerce.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also expressed concern about the apparent lack of reciprocal flight opportunities for Nigerian airlines.
He warned that Nigeria might need to reconsider the operational privileges extended to Chinese airlines if Nigerian carriers continued to face restrictions in accessing the Chinese aviation market.
Following deliberations, the Senate urged the Ministry of Aviation to reopen discussions on the bilateral agreement and work towards securing direct commercial flight services between the two countries.
The lawmakers also called on the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage Chinese authorities diplomatically on easier business visa arrangements for Nigerian traders and reciprocal allocation of airport slots to facilitate airline operations.
However, discussions took another direction when Senator Ned Nwoko proposed an additional resolution urging the Federal Government to revive the defunct Nigeria Airways.
The proposal generated debate among lawmakers, with Akpabio questioning whether bringing back an airline that had been out of operation for years was a practical approach.
"We can't revive what is already dead. Did Nigerian Airways ever work?" the Senate President asked.
Despite expressing reservations about restoring the former national carrier, Akpabio acknowledged the importance of establishing a strong Nigerian-owned airline capable of serving the country's aviation needs.
He recalled that Nigeria Airways once operated a fleet of nearly 40 aircraft and urged the government to consider developing a sustainable national airline that could improve domestic and international air travel for Nigerians.
The Senate's intervention places renewed emphasis on Nigeria's aviation relationship with China, particularly the need for balanced operating rights, stronger commercial connections and improved travel opportunities for businesses and passengers in both countries.
Wasila Yakubu
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