Akpabio Calls for Revival of Nigeria Airways, Says Private Jet Scarcity Exposes Aviation Challenges

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has called for the revival of Nigeria Airways, insisting that the scarcity of private jets available for hire during political campaigns highlights the urgent need for a national carrier. He warned that the country’s aviation industry could face serious challenges in meeting passengers’ demands, particularly during the December festive season.

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Naija News reports that Akpabio made the call on Tuesday during plenary while lawmakers deliberated on issues affecting Nigeria’s aviation sector. Expressing concern over the limited availability of aircraft, he predicted that domestic airlines might struggle to cope with the expected increase in passenger traffic during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“Watch December and the confusion. Even the private airlines cannot handle. Common campaigns, we cannot see even private jets to hire,” the Senate President said.

Akpabio subsequently urged his colleagues to sponsor a motion that would facilitate the establishment of a national airline, recalling the operations of the defunct Nigeria Airways, which once maintained a fleet of about 40 aircraft, including DC-10 jets used for international routes such as Saudi Arabia. He questioned how Nigeria’s aviation industry had deteriorated to its present condition, stressing the importance of having an airline that would fly the country’s flag.

The Senate President spoke during consideration of a motion sponsored by the Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno, seeking enforcement and renegotiation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Nigeria and China. Monguno argued that establishing direct commercial flights between both countries would reduce travel time, facilitate the movement of goods, strengthen trade relations and conserve foreign exchange. Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, also expressed concern that Nigeria was not maximising the economic benefits of its relationship with China.

Following deliberations, the Senate urged the Ministry of Aviation to renegotiate Nigeria’s bilateral air services agreement with China to create opportunities for direct commercial flights between the two countries. The lawmakers’ position has also renewed attention on the need to strengthen domestic aviation capacity, improve passenger services and consider the revival of a national carrier to support Nigeria’s growing transportation and economic needs.