The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Buhari Abdulfatai, has raised concern over recent altercations between airlines and passengers in Nigeria, warning that the incidents call into question operational standards, passenger rights, and discipline in the sector.

In a statement on Wednesday, Abdulfatai said the situation demands “immediate and coordinated action to safeguard the sector’s integrity and restore public confidence.”

He further stated that the committee, acting under its constitutional authority, will work with regulators, airline operators, security agencies, and public interest groups to verify the facts, review procedures, and ensure prompt implementation of corrective actions.

“We will not allow procedural gaps or lapses in enforcement to undermine safety, professionalism, or public trust in our aviation system,” he stated.

He assured that the committee remains vigilant and will push for enforceable measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In recent months, tensions between passengers and airport officials have become more frequent.

On August 5, Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, made headlines after standing in front of a ValueJet aircraft at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in an attempt to stop it from taxiing for takeoff.

A few days later, a female passenger, identified as Comfort Emmanson, allegedly attacked cabin crew members during an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos.

However, the Federal Government and airline operators have agreed to lift the lifetime flight ban on Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson and reduce the suspension of KWAM1 to one month.

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo announced the decision on Wednesday via X, saying it followed stakeholder consultations, public appeals, and expressions of remorse from both passengers.