The Nigerian Senate has resolved to review the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and China. This decision was made to ensure that Nigerian airlines can operate direct flights to China and to promote reciprocity in the agreement. The resolution was made through a motion sponsored by Senator Mahmoud Mohammed Takar and moved by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno.
According to Senator Monguno, the BASA agreement was designed to establish direct commercial air links between Nigeria and China. This aims to facilitate trade, tourism, and economic cooperation between the two countries. In 2024, the total trade between Nigeria and China stood at twenty-eight billion dollars. Additionally, trade between the two countries reached eighteen billion dollars in the first half of 2025, representing a thirty-five per cent increase over the corresponding period.
Effective implementation of the agreement is expected to have several benefits for Nigeria. These benefits include reduced travel time, improved supply-chain efficiency, minimized capital flight, boosted foreign exchange earnings, and created opportunities for Nigerian businesses and exporters. Senator Monguno emphasized the importance of reaping the full benefits of the agreement.
Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, described the motion as timely. He expressed concerns that Nigeria was not deriving adequate benefits from its economic relationship with China. He also raised concerns over the activities of some Chinese companies operating in Nigeria, particularly in the solid minerals sector.
Senator Ningi further lamented that Nigerians traveling to China often had to transit through other countries. In contrast, Chinese airlines enjoyed direct access to Nigerian airports. He urged the Federal Government to encourage local airlines and negotiate arrangements that would enable them to operate direct flights to China.
The Senator suggested that Nigeria should consider reviewing the existing agreement. This includes the possibility of restricting direct access for Chinese airlines if Nigerian carriers were not accorded similar privileges. He maintained that Nigerian airlines, including Ibom Air and other domestic operators, could explore the China route if the necessary diplomatic and operational arrangements were put in place.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, urged lawmakers to focus on the prayers of the motion. The Senate subsequently urged the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to renegotiate the commercial terms and operational arrangements of the Nigeria-China Bilateral Air Services Agreement to guarantee reciprocal benefits for Nigerian airlines.
Key points
- The Nigerian Senate has called for a review of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement with China.
- The review aims to ensure reciprocity and enable Nigerian airlines to operate direct flights to China.
- The agreement has the potential to boost trade, tourism, and economic cooperation between Nigeria and China.
