The Senate has called on the Federal Government to renegotiate Nigeria’s Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with China to guarantee Nigerian airlines reciprocal rights to operate direct flights to the Asian country.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, representing Borno North, and seconded by Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi of Bauchi Central.

Monguno said the existing agreement, signed under former President Muhammadu Buhari, had not delivered the expected benefits to Nigerian airlines, despite growing trade and economic relations between both countries.

He disclosed that bilateral trade between Nigeria and China reached 18 billion dollars in the first half of 2025, representing a 25 per cent increase compared with the corresponding period, while total trade stood at 28 billion dollars in 2024.

The senator argued that effective implementation of the agreement would position the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, as important aviation gateways connecting West and Central Africa to East Asia.

He identified reduced travel time, improved supply chains, increased airline revenue, foreign exchange retention and expanded opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses among the potential benefits of direct flights.

Monguno also said improved air connectivity would support non-oil exports, particularly agricultural products, and strengthen Nigeria's participation in international trade.

Supporting the motion, Ningi expressed concern that Nigerians travelling to China often had to connect through countries such as Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia and the United Kingdom because Nigerian airlines lacked direct access to the route.

He urged the Federal Government to support domestic carriers, including Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines, Azman Air and Ibom Air, to expand their international operations, subject to regulatory and operational requirements.

Ningi further alleged that some Chinese nationals operating in Nigeria's solid minerals sector were engaging in mining activities without complying with relevant legal requirements. He called for stronger government oversight to ensure that the country obtained greater economic benefits from its mineral resources.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio supported the demand for reciprocal flight rights, warning that Nigeria might reconsider the privileges granted to Chinese airlines if Nigerian carriers continued to face restrictions.

The debate also revived discussions about establishing a national airline. Akpabio said Nigeria needed a strong indigenous carrier capable of competing internationally, recalling that the defunct Nigerian Airways once operated a fleet of about 40 aircraft.

Senator Mustapha Khabeeb, representing Jigawa South-West, also supported the establishment of a national carrier, suggesting that the government explore a new national airline rather than simply attempting to revive the defunct Nigerian Airways.

However, the Senate noted that the national carrier proposal would require a separate substantive motion for further legislative consideration.

Following deliberations, lawmakers urged the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to renegotiate the commercial terms and operational arrangements of the Nigeria-China aviation agreement.

They also directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage Chinese authorities on facilitating business visas for Nigerian traders and securing reciprocal airport slot allocations for Nigerian airlines.

The Senate mandated its Committees on Aviation and Foreign Affairs to monitor the implementation of the resolutions and report back within four weeks.