Senate Urges FG To Secure Direct Flights Between Nigeria And China
The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to renegotiate the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with China to secure reciprocal flight operations and enable Nigerian airlines to operate direct flights to the Asian country.
The Senate also warned that Nigeria could reconsider the aviation privileges currently enjoyed by Chinese airlines if Nigerian carriers continued to face restrictions in accessing the Chinese aviation market.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North), during plenary on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Leading the debate, Monguno recalled that Nigeria and China had signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement to establish direct commercial air links, increase flight frequencies and strengthen economic relations between both countries.
He noted that despite the growing trade and economic relationship between the two nations, Nigerian travellers and business operators still faced difficulties accessing direct air connections to China, while Chinese airlines continued to enjoy direct access to Nigeria.
According to him, the absence of reciprocal flight operations had limited the participation of Nigerian airlines in the expanding aviation and commercial relationship between both countries.
Monguno further disclosed that more than one million Nigerians lived in China, while over 500,000 Chinese nationals resided in Nigeria, stressing that the growing population movement and commercial activities made direct air connectivity increasingly necessary.
He explained that direct flights would reduce travel time, improve supply-chain efficiency, retain foreign exchange within the Nigerian economy, boost non-oil exports, strengthen business relationships and create employment opportunities.
Supporting the motion, Senator Abdul Ningi (ADC, Bauchi Central) described the proposal as timely, arguing that Nigeria was not enjoying commensurate benefits from its growing economic relationship with China.
Ningi observed that Nigerian businesspeople travelling to China often had to transit through other countries, despite Chinese airlines operating direct flights into Nigeria.
He urged the Federal Government to support local carriers, including Air Peace, to establish direct operations to China and take advantage of the growing trade opportunities between the two countries.
Also contributing, Senate President Godswill Akpabio warned that Nigeria might be forced to review the privileges granted to Chinese airlines if Nigerian carriers were denied reciprocal access to the Chinese market.
Akpabio maintained that Nigerian airlines, including Air Peace, Max Air and Ibom Air, should be given opportunities to operate international routes and compete for passenger traffic between both countries.
He added that direct flights would reduce the amount of foreign exchange spent by Nigerians on international travel and related services.
Following deliberations, the Senate urged the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to renegotiate the commercial terms and operational schedules of the existing Nigeria-China Bilateral Air Services Agreement.
It also called on the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to initiate diplomatic engagements with the Chinese government on business visa facilitation for Nigerian traders and reciprocal airport slot allocations.
The Senate subsequently mandated its Committees on Aviation and Foreign Affairs to monitor the implementation of the resolutions and report back within four weeks.
Meanwhile, Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North) proposed the revival of Nigeria Airways as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s aviation industry and improve international connectivity.
Nwoko argued that a national carrier would enable Nigeria to secure greater benefits from international aviation agreements and improve its competitiveness in the global aviation market.
However, Akpabio said the proposal deserved a separate legislative motion, rather than being incorporated into the debate on the Nigeria-China air services agreement.
Recalling the operations of the defunct Nigeria Airways, the Senate President said the airline once maintained a sizeable fleet and connected Nigeria to several international destinations, including pilgrimage routes to Saudi Arabia.
He urged the Federal Government to consider establishing a viable national carrier to strengthen international connectivity and address the challenges Nigerian travellers face, particularly during peak travel seasons.
Akpabio commended Monguno for sponsoring the motion and other lawmakers for their contributions to the debate.
