The Senate has asked Aviation Authorities to renegotiate the existing Bilateral Air Service Agreement, BASA, with China to facilitate direct flights between the two Countries.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno.
Leading the debate, Monguno recalled that the BASA was first signed during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari to enable a direct Naira settlement window using the bilateral currency swap framework and to bypass the US dollar in bilateral transactions.
In their contributions, lawmakers also called for the establishment of a National Air Carrier, noting that a national carrier would serve several strategic objectives such as reducing capital flight through foreign airlines, creating jobs for Nigerians and Strengthening national security and emergency response.
The Senate, thereafter, urged the Federal Government to fast-track the process for a sustainable and transparent national carrier.
