'We can't bring back the dead': Senate turns down Nigeria Airways revival

The Senate has said no to bringing back the defunct Nigeria Airways and Air Nigeria, choosing instead to push for a brand-new national carrier that can stand on its own.

The idea of reviving the old airlines came from Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North) during debate on a motion about Nigeria's air services agreement with China. Senate President Godswill Akpabio dismissed it, saying something already dead cannot be revived. He noted that Nigeria once had close to 40 aircraft and questioned whether the old airline had ever been run well.

The motion itself, moved by Senate Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North), complained that the deal with China is lopsided. Chinese airlines enjoy rights in Nigeria, but Nigerian airlines cannot fly direct to China in return. Akpabio warned that Nigeria could rethink the privileges Chinese carriers get if that does not change.

Senators urged the Federal Government to reopen talks on the agreement and enforce it so Nigerian airlines get equal access, to look into setting up a viable national carrier, and to seek easier business visas and fair airport landing slots for Nigerian traders.

Its aviation and foreign affairs committees were told to follow up and report back within four weeks.