Senate President Godswill Akpabio has lamented the growing difficulty of securing private jets for political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying even private aircraft operators can no longer meet the demand.
Akpabio made the remarks during Tuesday’s Senate plenary while contributing to discussions on challenges facing Nigeria’s aviation sector and air travellers.
Expressing concern over the pressure on available aircraft, the Senate President warned that the situation could worsen as political activities gather momentum towards the 2027 elections.
“Watch December and the confusion. Even the private airlines cannot handle. Common campaigns, we cannot see even private jets to hire,” he said.
He consequently called on the Federal Government to consider reviving Nigeria’s national carrier, arguing that a government-owned airline would help strengthen the aviation sector and ease pressure on air transportation.
“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 Nigerian flag as it used to be,” Akpabio said.
Recalling the operations of the defunct Nigeria Airways, he said the airline once maintained a fleet of about 40 aircraft, including DC-10 planes that operated international routes, including flights to Saudi Arabia.
He questioned how Nigeria moved from having a national airline with such capacity to its current dependence on private operators and foreign carriers.
“How did we get here?” he asked.
Akpabio’s comments came during deliberations on a motion sponsored by Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno, representing Borno North, seeking a review and enforcement of Nigeria’s Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with China to facilitate direct flights between the two countries by Nigerian airlines.
Monguno argued that direct air connectivity with China would reduce travel time, improve supply-chain efficiency, strengthen bilateral trade and reduce foreign exchange outflows associated with international travel.
Also contributing, Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, said Nigeria was not benefiting proportionately from its relationship with China despite the Asian country’s growing influence in the global economy.
Following the debate, the Senate urged the Ministry of Aviation to renegotiate the existing agreement to establish direct commercial air links between Nigeria and China.