By Anayo Akwitti
The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to renegotiate the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with China to ensure Nigerian airlines operate direct flights to the Asian country under a strict reciprocity arrangement.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, who disclosed that trade between Nigeria and China reached 18 billion dollars in the first half of 2025, despite the absence of direct flights by Nigerian carriers.
Monguno said effective implementation of the agreement would strengthen bilateral trade, reduce travel costs, conserve foreign exchange and position Lagos and Abuja as major aviation hubs connecting Africa to Asia.
Supporting the motion, Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi raised concerns over alleged illegal mining activities involving Chinese nationals in parts of the country, urging the Federal Government to strengthen oversight and ensure Nigerian businesses enjoy equal opportunities.
Ningi also called for government support for domestic airlines, including Air Peace, United Nigeria, Azman and Ibom Air, to enable them operate direct flights to China.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Khalid Habeeb of Jigawa State advocated the revival of a national carrier to strengthen Nigeria’s international aviation competitiveness and reduce the burden of high airfares on travellers, particularly during peak travel periods.
Following deliberations, the Senate urged the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to renegotiate the commercial terms and operational schedules of the Nigeria-China aviation agreement.
It also mandated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage Chinese authorities on facilitating business visas for Nigerian traders and securing reciprocal flight slot allocations for Nigerian airlines.
Additionally, the lawmakers directed the Senate Committees on Aviation and Foreign Affairs to monitor the implementation of the resolutions and report back to the chamber within four weeks.
The Senate stressed that the agreement must guarantee equal flight privileges for airlines from both countries, ensuring Nigerian carriers enjoy the same direct flight opportunities available to Chinese airlines.
On the proposed revival of a national carrier, lawmakers indicated that a separate substantive motion would be required to pursue the initiative.
