Nigerian Senate Demands Reciprocal Flight Rights From China
The Nigerian Senate passed a resolution demanding reciprocal flight rights from China and rejected efforts to revive the failed Nigeria Air project.
The Senate of Nigeria passed a resolution on November 3, 2026, demanding the enforcement of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with China to establish direct commercial flights for Nigerian airlines. Lawmakers argued the current agreement is imbalanced, allowing Chinese carriers direct access to Nigeria while Nigerian airlines must use third-party carriers to reach China. Senate President Godswill Akpabio warned that Nigeria should consider stopping Chinese airlines from flying directly into the country if reciprocity is not granted.
The Senate mandated the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to renegotiate commercial terms, operational schedules, and business visa access, with a compliance report due within four weeks. During the debate, Senator Abdul Ningi criticized the economic partnership as lopsided and alleged that Chinese nationals are engaged in illegal mining in Bauchi State.
Simultaneously, the chamber rejected proposals to revive the defunct Nigeria Airways or the failed Nigeria Air project, describing such efforts as a waste of time. Senate President Akpabio urged the government to explore a new, viable national carrier instead. The Nigeria Air project remains under scrutiny as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission prosecutes former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika for alleged contract fraud, including claims that an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft was disguised as the national carrier.
