Nigeria's Senate has rejected proposals to revive contracts awarded for the establishment of the failed Nigeria Air project, while calling for a revision of the country’s bilateral air services agreement (BASA) with China to enable Nigerian airlines to operate direct flights.
The resolutions followed a motion sponsored by Senate chief whip Tahir Monguno, calling for enforcement of the Nigeria-China BASA and greater reciprocal access for Nigerian carriers, according to a government statement issued after the November 3, 2026, sitting.
Senate president Godswill Akpabio said further discussions on reviving the Nigeria Air project, initiated under former President Muhammadu Buhari and aviation minister Hadi Sirika, should cease, citing legal complications and alleged mismanagement. However, he urged the federal government to explore alternative options for establishing a viable national carrier.
Nigeria is looking at establishing a new flag carrier by the end of 2027, after a government change and legal action by private airlines in 2024 sank plans for Nigeria Air, which would have been joint venture with a consortium of Nigerian investors led by Ethiopian Airlines.
On China, lawmakers demanded an immediate review of the BASA to secure reciprocal direct-flight rights for Nigerian airlines, potentially opening routes between Lagos and Abidjan and major Chinese destinations. It also urged diplomatic engagement to secure favourable airport slots and facilitate business travel.
According to ch-aviation data, there are currently no direct services between China and Nigeria, by either Chinese or Nigerian carriers.
The motion was adopted by voice vote, with the Senate committees on aviation and foreign affairs instructed to monitor implementation and report back within four weeks.
