The Nigerian Senate has rejected a proposal seeking the revival of the Nigeria Air project, urging the Federal Government to explore alternative ways of establishing a viable national carrier.
The decision followed deliberations during Tuesday’s plenary session, where lawmakers considered a proposal by Senator Ned Nwoko calling for the revival of the defunct national airline.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio opposed the proposal, questioning the feasibility of bringing back an airline that had long ceased operations.
“We can’t revive what is already dead. Did Nigerian Airways ever work?” Akpabio said.
He, however, acknowledged the need for Nigeria to have a national carrier capable of representing the country internationally. He recalled that the defunct Nigerian Airways once operated a fleet of about 32 to 40 aircraft.
Akpabio urged the Federal Government to focus on establishing a functional and sustainable airline rather than revisiting the failed Nigeria Air arrangement.
The debate also brought attention to the controversial Nigeria Air project, which was unveiled in May 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The project later became embroiled in controversy over allegations of fraud and misrepresentation, leading to its suspension.
Meanwhile, the Senate also called for a review and enforcement of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and China to enable Nigerian airlines to operate direct flights to the Asian country.
The lawmakers argued that granting Nigerian carriers reciprocal access to China would improve trade, reduce travel time and strengthen economic relations between both countries.
The Senate subsequently mandated its Committees on Aviation and Foreign Affairs to ensure compliance with its resolutions and report back within four weeks.
