Senate Raises Alarm Over Aviation Safety Lapses After Air Peace Incident in Port Harcourt

Senate has raised the alarm over Aviation safety lapses after Air Peace incident in Port Harcourt.

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Nigerian Senate has expressed serious concern over increasing safety lapses in the nation’s aviation sector, following a disturbing report on the Air Peace aircraft incident at Port Harcourt International Airport.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday, July 13, involved an Air Peace aircraft that veered off the runway after landing. A preliminary investigation by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) revealed that the pilot and co-pilot tested positive for alcohol and hard drugs. Toxicology reports confirmed alcohol in the crew’s system, while another member tested positive for cannabis.

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During plenary last Tuesday, lawmakers described the development as alarming and called for a comprehensive probe into the incident.

In a motion sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, the Senate noted that although no lives were lost, the findings exposed grave weaknesses in pilot conduct, airport infrastructure, and regulatory enforcement.

“While no lives were lost, the incident revealed critical gaps in safety standards, infrastructure management, and operational compliance within Nigeria’s aviation industry,” the motion stated.

The Senate further warned that the rising number of operational safety issues and near-misses could erode public confidence and threaten lives if left unaddressed.

Citing the NSIB report, lawmakers pointed out deficiencies in runway maintenance, airfield lighting, and pilot decision-making that require immediate government attention.

The Senate, therefore, issued several directives:

• The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) must urgently implement all safety recommendations in the NSIB report.

• The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) should strengthen oversight, enforce compliance with international safety standards, and conduct routine safety audits across airports.

• FAAN must rehabilitate damaged runways, install functional airfield lighting, and upgrade navigational systems—starting with Port Harcourt International Airport.

• The Senate Committee on Aviation was mandated to engage stakeholders including NSIB, NCAA, FAAN, and airline operators, and submit a compliance report within six weeks.

Lawmakers emphasized that aviation safety remains vital to Nigeria’s national security, economic stability, and regional leadership in air transport.

The Senate also commended the NSIB for promptly releasing its report, describing the move as a commendable step toward accountability and transparency in the aviation sector.