Akpabio Urges FG To Revive Nigerian Airways, Warns Of December Air Travel Chaos

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on the Federal Government to revive Nigeria’s national airline, Nigerian Airways, saying the country urgently needs a carrier capable of flying the Nigerian flag and easing pressure on air travellers.

Akpabio made the call during plenary while contributing to a motion on the country’s aviation sector and the need to revisit the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).

The Senate President recalled that Nigerian Airways once operated a sizeable fleet and played a major role in connecting Nigeria with destinations around the world, including Saudi Arabia.

“Nigeria should have Nigerian Airways. A national carrier should be birthed in this country, carrying the Nigerian flag as it used to be,” Akpabio said.

He questioned how Nigeria moved from having a functional national airline to its current situation, noting that the absence of a national carrier could become more problematic during the peak travel period in December.

“So how did we get here? How did we get here? Watch December and the confusion even the private airlines cannot handle,” he said.

According to him, the demand for air travel during the festive season often overwhelms existing operators, making flights and even private aircraft difficult to secure.

“Common campaigns, you cannot even see private jets to hire,” Akpabio added.

He urged the Federal Government, which he described as reformative and transformative, to seriously consider establishing a national carrier as part of efforts to alleviate the difficulties faced by air travellers.

The Senate President also called for legislative action to facilitate the revival of Nigeria’s national airline, urging relevant committees to engage the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Aviation on the matter.

Akpabio further directed the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance to follow up on the Senate’s resolution concerning the review of the BASA agreement and report back within four weeks.