Senate President Godswill Akpabio has lamented the difficulty in securing private jets for political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mr Akpabio also expressed concern over the challenges facing Nigeria’s aviation sector, particularly the capacity of domestic airlines to meet growing demand for air travel.
He spoke during Tuesday’s plenary while contributing to a debate on a motion sponsored by the Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno, seeking a review and enforcement of Nigeria’s Bilateral Air Services Agreement, BASA, with China.
The motion called for improved air connectivity between both countries to enable Nigerian airlines to operate direct flights to China.
Moving the motion, Mr Monguno said direct flights would reduce travel time, improve supply chain efficiency, boost trade and limit foreign exchange outflows associated with international travel.
However, contributing to the debate, Mr Akpabio called for the revival of a national carrier, saying the country needed a Nigerian-owned airline to ease pressure on the aviation industry.
“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 urged the Federal Government to consider establishing a national airline capable of serving domestic and international routes.
“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 the Nigerian flag as it used to be,” he said.
Mr Akpabio recalled that the defunct Nigeria Airways once operated a fleet of about 40 aircraft, including DC-10 planes that transported passengers to international destinations such as Saudi Arabia.
He questioned how Nigeria had moved from operating a national airline with such a fleet to its present situation, stressing the need to restore the country’s capacity in the aviation industry.