Senate Orders Urgent Probe into Air Peace Port Harcourt Incident, Raises Alarm Over Aviation Safety

The Nigerian Senate has voiced serious concern over rising safety lapses in the nation’s aviation industry following a recent incident involving an Air Peace aircraft at the Port Harcourt International Airport.

The aircraft reportedly veered off the runway on Sunday, July 13, after landing. A preliminary investigation by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) later revealed that both the pilot and co-pilot tested positive for hard drugs and alcohol. Toxicology reports confirmed traces of alcohol in their systems, while another crew member tested positive for cannabis.

During its Tuesday plenary, senators expressed alarm over the findings and directed a comprehensive investigation into the matter. In a motion sponsored by the Senate Committee Chairman on Aviation, Buhari Abdulfatai, lawmakers noted that although no lives were lost, the event exposed serious weaknesses in pilot conduct, airport infrastructure, and regulatory supervision.

According to the motion, the Senate observed that the NSIB report highlighted deficiencies in runway conditions, airfield lighting, pilot decision-making, and regulatory oversight. It warned that if such issues persist, they could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s aviation system and threaten passenger safety.

The upper chamber emphasised that aviation safety is vital to national security, economic stability, and Nigeria’s ambition to maintain its leadership as a regional air transport hub.

Lawmakers urged the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to immediately implement all safety recommendations contained in the NSIB report. They also called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to tighten regulatory oversight, enforce strict compliance with international safety standards, and conduct routine audits across all airports.

FAAN was further directed to prioritise the rehabilitation of damaged runways, improve airfield lighting, and upgrade navigational aids, starting with the Port Harcourt International Airport.

The Senate mandated its Committee on Aviation to liaise with key stakeholders, including the NSIB, NCAA, FAAN, and airline operators, to ensure full compliance with the recommended safety measures and to submit a progress report within six weeks.

The development comes amid growing scrutiny of aviation safety standards in Nigeria after a series of recent near-misses and operational lapses. However, lawmakers commended the NSIB for releasing its report promptly, describing the move as a demonstration of transparency, accountability, and commitment to safety in the sector.