Di Nigeria Senate don reject di call say federal government suppose bring back Nigeria Air, one controversial national carrier wey di country try to start.

Instead, di lawmakers tell federal government make e renegotiate and enforce Nigeria bilateral air services agreement (BASA) with China so dat Nigerian airlines fit operate direct flights go di Asian country.

Di recommendation come after one motion wey Tahir Monguno sponsor, di senate chief whip and senator wey represent Borno north-west, wey talk say need dey to review and enforce di BASA between both countries.

Monguno talk say Nigeria and China get plenty citizens wey dey live for each other territory, and dis one dey create big demand for direct air connectivity.

E talk say agreement wey balance well go reduce travel time, make supply-chain better, boost trade, and reduce di foreign exchange wey dey go out because of international travel.

"Also we know say di population of Nigerians for China pass 1,000,000 people, while dat of China for Nigeria pass 500,000 and dis one don make China interested for Nigeria because na Africa most populous nation and largest economy, wey dey offer massive markets for African continent," Munguno talk.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio warn say Nigeria fit need to reconsider di privileges wey dem give Chinese airlines if dem deny Nigerian carriers reciprocal access to operate direct flights go China.

Di senate after dat tell ministry of aviation make e renegotiate di agreement to establish direct commercial air links between both countries.

Di lawmakers talk say di aviation arrangement wey dey now need review to address di imbalance for flight operations and make sure Nigerian carriers enjoy reciprocal access to China.

Meanwhile, Ned Nwoko, senator wey represent Delta north, call on federal government to bring back Nigeria Air, and dis one cause separate debate.
When e respond, Akpabio ask why dem go bring back airline wey don stop operations long time.

"We no fit bring back wetin don already dead. Did Nigerian Airways ever work?" e ask.
Even though e agree say e dey important to get airline wey Nigerian own, Akpabio remember say di country once operate nearly 40 aircraft.

E tell federal government make e look for options to establish national carrier wey go work to make things easier for Nigerian air travellers.