The Nigerian Senate has raised alarm over rising safety concerns in the nation’s aviation industry, following a recent Air Peace incident at Port Harcourt International Airport.
It was earlier reported that the aircraft veered off the runway after landing on Sunday, July 13. A preliminary report by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau later revealed that the pilot and co-pilot tested positive for alcohol and drugs.
Toxicology results showed traces of alcohol in their systems, while another crew member tested positive for cannabis.
At the plenary last Tuesday, senators expressed shock and dissatisfaction over the incident, directing an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the matter, according to The Punch.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, who sponsored the motion, noted that although no lives were lost, the findings revealed serious lapses in airport infrastructure, pilot judgment, and regulatory supervision.
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, emphasized the urgency of corrective measures, noting that aviation safety is vital to national security, economic stability, and Nigeria’s goal of maintaining its position as a leading air transport hub 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, 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 increasing public scrutiny of Nigeria’s aviation safety standards, following a series of recent incidents and near-miss occurrences.
