Nigeria's Senate rejects reviving Nigeria Air but says the country still needs a national carrier
Senators called the old contracts a waste of time, and want Nigerian airlines flying directly to China.
Abuja — Nigeria's Senate on Tuesday rejected a proposal to revive the contracts behind the failed Nigeria Air project, but resolved that the country does need a national carrier.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision after a debate on Nigeria's air services agreement with China. Lawmakers described the old contracts as a waste of time, and urged the aviation ministry to explore setting up a carrier afresh.
The motion, from Senate chief whip Tahir Monguno, asked the government to renegotiate the agreement so Nigerian airlines can fly directly to China. He argued that this would turn Lagos and Abuja airports into gateways between West and Central Africa and East Asia, cut travel time, keep foreign exchange at home and help exports, including perishable goods.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is separately prosecuting former aviation minister Hadi Sirika, who led the project, and three others over allegations linked to its contracts. The case is before the court.
Source: Premium Times, November 2026.
