The Nigerian Senate has warned that it will review the existing air‑service agreement with the People’s Republic of China unless Nigerian airlines are granted reciprocal rights to operate direct flights between the two nations.
Senators said the current arrangement allows Chinese carriers to fly directly to Nigeria, while Nigerian airlines are forced to rely on indirect routes, a disparity they argue hampers trade, tourism and the competitiveness of the local aviation sector.
In response, the Senate indicated it will examine the terms of the bilateral agreement and consider renegotiation to ensure that Nigerian carriers receive the same access as their Chinese counterparts.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, maintains a substantial trade relationship with China, making direct air links a strategic priority for businesses and travelers alike.
No specific timetable for the review has been announced, and the issue is expected to be debated in forthcoming Senate sessions.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>