Senate Probes Rising Aviation Incidents, Orders Urgent Safety Reforms

The Senate has commenced a comprehensive investigation into Nigeria’s aviation sector following a series of frequent accidents and runway incidents across the country.

Leading the initiative, the Senate mandated Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North) and the Senate Committee on Aviation to carry out a holistic probe into the causes of the incidents and submit a report within six weeks.

The resolution followed the release of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) report on the June 22, 2025, Air Peace runway overrun at the Port Harcourt International Airport. The motion was sponsored by Senator Buhari.

Presenting the motion, Buhari said that although no lives were lost in the Air Peace incident, the NSIB findings revealed “critical gaps in safety standards, infrastructure management, and operational compliance”, warning that such lapses could threaten lives and erode public confidence in the aviation system.

“Aviation safety is not negotiable,” Buhari said. “The NSIB report shows systemic failures that must be addressed urgently to safeguard passengers and restore confidence in our airports.”

The lawmaker expressed concern over the rising number of runway-related incidents, noting that at least seven near-air mishaps have been recorded this year alone. He also condemned the reported intoxication of the Air Peace pilot, calling for immediate corrective measures.

As part of its resolutions, the Senate urged the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to immediately implement the safety recommendations contained in the NSIB report.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) was also directed to tighten compliance monitoring, conduct routine audits of airport facilities, and enforce strict adherence to international safety standards by airlines and operators.

Lawmakers further called on FAAN to rehabilitate runways, provide airfield lighting, and install modern navigational aids, beginning with the Port Harcourt International Airport.

The Senate also emphasized the urgent need for a second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to improve operational safety and reduce pressure on the existing runway.

The Committee on Aviation was tasked to engage with all key stakeholders, including the NSIB, NCAA, FAAN, NAMA, and airline operators, to ensure full implementation of safety measures and report back within six weeks.

Buhari commended the NSIB for its transparency and prompt release of the investigative report, describing it as a step toward strengthening accountability and a culture of safety in the aviation industry.

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