Senate President Godswill Akpabio has lamented the difficulty in securing private jets for political campaigns, saying the situation highlights the need for Nigeria to establish a national carrier.
Akpabio spoke during plenary on Tuesday while commenting on the challenges bedevilling the country’s aviation sector and air travellers.
“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 said the federal government should consider establishing a Nigeria-owned airline to ease pressure on the aviation sector and improve 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.
Akpabio recalled that the defunct Nigeria Airways once operated about 40 aircraft, including DC-10 planes that flew passengers to destinations such as Saudi Arabia.
He questioned how the country moved from operating a national airline with such a fleet to its current situation.
“How did we get here?” he asked.
His comments followed a debate on a motion sponsored by Tahir Monguno, senate chief whip and senator representing Borno north, seeking a review and enforcement of Nigeria’s Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with China to allow Nigerian airlines to operate direct flights to the Asian country.
Monguno said direct air connectivity would reduce travel time, improve supply-chain efficiency, boost trade and limit foreign exchange outflows associated with international travel.
Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi central, said Nigeria is not deriving commensurate benefits from its relationship with China despite the Asian country’s growing influence in the global economy.
The senate subsequently urged the ministry of aviation to renegotiate the agreement to establish direct commercial air links between both countries.
