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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has raised concerns over the difficulty of hiring private jets for political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, calling for the revival of a national carrier.
Akpabio spoke during plenary on Tuesday while contributing to a debate on challenges facing Nigeria’s aviation sector and air travellers.
He said demand for private aircraft could become more difficult to manage during the December travel period, adding that even political campaigns were struggling to secure jets for hire.
“Watch December and the confusion. Even the private airlines cannot handle. Common campaigns, we cannot see even private jets to hire,” he said.
The Senate President argued that Nigeria needed a national airline to ease pressure on the aviation sector and strengthen the country’s presence in international air travel.
“Somebody should bring a motion that will enable Nigeria to revive its own airline. Nigeria should have Nigeria Airways.
“A national carrier should birth in this country carrying Nigerian flag as it used to be,” he said.
Recalling the operations of the defunct Nigeria Airways, Akpabio said the airline once had about 40 aircraft, including DC-10 planes that flew passengers to destinations such as Saudi Arabia.
He questioned how the country had moved from operating an airline with such a fleet to its present position.
“How did we get here?” he asked.
Akpabio’s remarks followed a debate on a motion sponsored by the Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno, who represents Borno North, seeking a review and enforcement of Nigeria’s Bilateral Air Services Agreement with China.
Monguno called for arrangements that would allow Nigerian airlines to operate direct flights to China, saying improved air connectivity would reduce travel time, strengthen supply chains and boost trade between both countries.
He also said direct flights could reduce foreign exchange outflows associated with international travel.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Abdul Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central, said Nigeria was not benefiting sufficiently from its relationship with China despite the Asian country’s growing influence in the global economy.
Following the debate, the Senate urged the Ministry of Aviation to renegotiate the agreement to establish direct commercial air links between Nigeria and China.
