The Nigerian Senate has launched a comprehensive investigation into the country’s aviation sector following a series of runway-related incidents.
The probe comes after a June 22 near-disaster involving Air Peace that exposed critical failures in safety, infrastructure, and pilot conduct.
Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, who sponsored the motion, emphasized that aviation safety is not negotiable and urged immediate action to address systemic failures.
The Senate mandated its Committee on Aviation to conduct a thorough probe and deliver findings within six weeks.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau’s report revealed that the Air Peace runway overrun at Port Harcourt International Airport was caused by a combination of factors, including pilot intoxication, poor infrastructure, and lax safety oversight. At least seven near-mishaps have occurred on Nigerian runways this year alone, raising concerns about aviation safety.
In response to the incidents, the Senate has directed the Federal Ministry of Aviation and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to implement safety recommendations, while the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is to intensify monitoring and enforcement of international safety standards. FAAN has been tasked with rehabilitating runways, providing airfield lighting, and installing modern navigational aids, starting with Port Harcourt International Airport.
The Senate also emphasized the need for a second runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to reduce pressure on the existing facility and enhance operational safety.
The Senate Aviation Committee will engage with relevant agencies, including the NSIB, NCAA, FAAN, and airline operators, to ensure full implementation of safety measures.
The Nigerian Senate has launched a sweeping investigation into the country’s troubled aviation sector following a string of runway-related incidents, including a June 22 near-disaster involving Air Peace that exposed critical failures in safety, infrastructure, and pilot conduct.
The Red Chamber chamber, acting on a motion by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, has mandated its Committee on Aviation to conduct a thorough probe and deliver findings within six weeks, after a damning report by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) painted a disturbing picture of systemic decay.
“Aviation safety is not negotiable,” Senator Buhari thundered. “The NSIB report shows systemic failures that must be addressed urgently to safeguard passengers and restore confidence in our airports.”
According to the NSIB, the Air Peace runway overrun at Port Harcourt International Airport was not just a freak accident, it was a warning sign.
The report cited pilot intoxication, failing infrastructure, and poor safety oversight as red flags threatening passenger lives.
Senator Buhari further revealed that at least seven near-mishaps have occurred on Nigerian runways this year alone, raising alarm over what he called an “emerging pattern of aviation negligence.”
In a strongly worded resolution, the Senate issued the following directives:
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and FAAN must immediately implement all NSIB safety recommendations.
The NCAA is to intensify monitoring, conduct regular safety audits, and enforce compliance with international standards.
FAAN is to begin urgent rehabilitation of runways, provide airfield lighting, and install modern navigational aids, starting with Port Harcourt International Airport.
Lawmakers also emphasized the urgent need for a second runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, warning that the current single-runway setup poses a serious safety risk due to overuse and wear.
The Senate Aviation Committee has been tasked with engaging all relevant agencies including the NSIB, NCAA, FAAN, NAMA, and airline operators to ensure full implementation of reforms.
A comprehensive report is expected back to the Senate within six weeks.