The Nigerian Senate has expressed deep concern over the growing safety lapses in the country’s aviation sector, citing a recent incident involving an Air Peace aircraft at the Port Harcourt International Airport.
The PUNCH earlier reported how an Air Peace aircraft, on a Sunday morning of July 13, had a runway excursion after landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport.
Following the incident, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, in its preliminary report, indicted the pilot and co-pilot for taking hard drugs and alcohol.
The reports noted that toxicological test results conducted on the flight crew turned out positive. The tests indicated the presence of alcohol in the system of the crew, while another crew member also tested positive for the active compound found in cannabis, colloquially referred to as “Indian hemp”.
Meanwhile, last Tuesday at the red chamber, the lawmakers were alarmed while expressing dissatisfaction with the development, ordering an immediate, thorough investigation into the matter.
In an order paper obtained by our correspondent, the Senate Committee Chairman on Aviation, Buhari Abdulfatai, in a motion he sponsored, stressed that no fatality was recorded from the incident, insisting that the findings exposed serious deficiencies in airport infrastructure, pilot decision-making, and regulatory oversight.
The motion partly reads, “while no lives were lost, the incident exposed critical gaps in safety standards, infrastructure management, and operational compliance within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“Concerned that operational safety challenges in recent years within Nigeria’s aviation sector have led to incidents and near misses and, if unaddressed and increased, could undermine public confidence in the aviation industry’s safety and endanger lives.
“Aware that the NSIB report highlighted deficiencies in runway condition, airfield lighting, pilot decision-making, and regulatory oversight, which require urgent corrective measures.”
The Senate, however, stressed the need for immediate action, citing the importance of aviation safety to national security, economic stability, and Nigeria’s aspiration to remain a regional hub for air transport in Africa.
In the motion, the Senate, however, “urged the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), to swiftly implement all safety recommendations outlined in the NSIB report.
“Called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to strengthen regulatory oversight, enforce strict adherence to international safety standards, and conduct regular compliance audits of all airport facilities.
“Directed FAAN to urgently rehabilitate damaged runways, install adequate airfield lighting, and upgrade navigational aids, starting with Port Harcourt International Airport;
“Mandated its Committee on Aviation to engage key stakeholders, including the NSIB, NCAA, FAAN, and airline operators, and ensure full implementation of safety measures. The Committee is expected to report back within six weeks.”
The development comes amid growing public scrutiny of Nigeria’s aviation safety standards following several recent incidents and near misses.
Meanwhile, the Senate also commended the NSIB for its swift release of the investigation report, describing it as a move that promotes transparency, accountability, and a culture of safety in the sector.
Senate to grill NCAA, local airlines on safety breaches
