Senate Pushes for Renegotiation of Nigeria-China BASA for Direct Flights

The Nigerian Senate has expressed dissatisfaction with the current Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and China, seeking a review that would enable direct flights between the two countries. According to a report by Tribune Online, the Senate is pushing for the renegotiation of the agreement, citing economic benefits and improved connectivity as key reasons. The existing BASA, signed in 2019, allows for a maximum of 42 weekly flights between Nigeria and China, but none are direct. This means that passengers traveling between the two countries must connect through a third country, often in Asia. The Senate believes that direct flights would significantly boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between Nigeria and China. The report did not mention a timeline for the proposed renegotiation. The Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) is a treaty between two countries that governs the number of flights, routes, and frequencies that airlines from each country can operate between the two nations. The Nigeria-China BASA, signed in 2019, was part of a broader effort by the Nigerian government to improve air connectivity with key economic partners. The renegotiation of the agreement would be a significant step towards achieving that goal, particularly given the growing economic and cultural ties between Nigeria and China.