Nigerian Senate: Nigeria-China Air Service Agreement Review for Flight Rights

• The Nigerian Senate threatened to review its Bilateral Air Service Agreement with China unless Nigerian airlines receive reciprocal direct flight rights.
• Senator Mohammed Monguno sponsored the motion, citing a lack of reciprocal benefits for Nigerian carriers despite significant bilateral trade and population figures.
• The Senate urged the Federal Government to renegotiate the agreement to protect national interests and ensure equal opportunities in international air travel.
• Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi also raised concerns regarding alleged illegal mining activities by Chinese nationals in various parts of Nigeria.
• Lawmakers called for stronger government oversight in both aviation and mining sectors to ensure Nigeria derives adequate economic benefits from its resources.

The Nigerian Senate has issued a stern warning, indicating a potential review of the existing Bilateral Air Service Agreement with China unless Nigerian carriers are granted equitable rights to operate direct flights to the Asian nation.

The Nigerian Senate, on Tuesday, November 4, 2026, signaled its intent to initiate a comprehensive review of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) currently in place with China. This potential "Nigeria China Bilateral Air Service Agreement review" is directly tied to the demand for "Nigerian Senate China flight rights," specifically requiring that Nigerian airlines be granted reciprocal privileges to operate direct flights into the Asian country. The legislative body has urged the Federal Government to prioritize the "Nigeria aviation agreement renegotiation" to safeguard the commercial interests of Nigerian carriers and ensure a level playing field in international air travel opportunities for both nations.

This significant resolution originated from a motion put forth by Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Monguno, representing Borno North, and was subsequently seconded by Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi of Bauchi Central. Monguno underscored that while a BASA was established under the late President Muhammadu Buhari to facilitate direct commercial air links and regulate flight operations, it has not yielded the anticipated reciprocal benefits for Nigerian airlines. The current situation often forces Nigerian travelers to China to use connecting flights through other countries like Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, or the United Kingdom, a point of frustration highlighted by Senator Ningi.

The impetus behind the Senate's call for renegotiation is rooted in the substantial economic and demographic ties between Nigeria and China. Senator Monguno pointed to a bilateral trade volume that reached $18 billion in the first half of 2025, marking a 25 percent year-on-year increase, following a total trade volume of $28 billion in 2024. These figures, coupled with a significant diaspora—over 1 million Nigerians residing in China and more than 500,000 Chinese nationals in Nigeria—underscore the immense potential for direct air connectivity. China's interest in Nigeria is further amplified by its status as Africa's most populous nation and largest economy, presenting vast market opportunities across the continent.

Improved air links, specifically "Nigerian airlines China direct flights," are envisioned as a catalyst for positioning Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja as crucial aviation gateways connecting West and Central Africa to East Asia. Monguno detailed a range of benefits, including reduced travel times, enhanced supply chains, increased airline revenues, greater foreign exchange retention, and expanded opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises. Furthermore, he emphasized that strengthened air connectivity would bolster non-oil exports, particularly agricultural products, thereby fortifying Nigeria's international trade standing.

Beyond the aviation sector, the Senate debate also brought to light broader concerns regarding the conduct of Chinese nationals within Nigeria. Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, while supporting the aviation motion, voiced apprehension over alleged "illegal mining Chinese nationals Nigeria" activities in various parts of the country. He specifically cited operations in communities within his Bauchi Central constituency, bordering Kaduna and Plateau states, suggesting that some Chinese mining ventures might be proceeding without full compliance with legal requirements.

Ningi expressed particular concern about the scale of these operations, the heavy equipment deployed, and allegations of raw minerals being exported without sufficient local processing. This prompted a call for more robust government oversight to ensure Nigeria derives appropriate economic benefits from its abundant mineral resources. The legislative discussions also included broader appeals from lawmakers for the development of stronger indigenous airlines and the re-establishment of a national carrier, reflecting a comprehensive approach to national economic and strategic interests.

To effectively address the current imbalances and realize the full potential of the bilateral relationship, Senator Monguno specifically called upon several key government bodies. He urged the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Customs Service to collaborate closely towards the effective implementation of the renegotiated agreement. The collective effort of these agencies is deemed essential to ensure that the "Nigeria aviation agreement renegotiation" not only secures reciprocal flight rights but also maximizes the economic advantages for Nigeria, transforming the current travel inconveniences into opportunities for growth and development.

Aviation lawyers should monitor the Nigerian Senate's push to renegotiate the Bilateral Air Service Agreement with China, as potential changes could impact flight rights, route allocations, and commercial operations for both Nigerian and Chinese carriers. Additionally, compliance officers in the mining sector should note the increased scrutiny on alleged illegal mining activities by Chinese nationals, signaling potential for stricter enforcement of environmental and operational regulations.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH Nigeria