Senate investigates frequent aviation sector accidents

The Senate has expressed concern over the increasing incidents and accidents in the aviation sector, directing its Committee on Aviation to commence investigations to ascertain their causes.

It noted, in particular, the recurring cases of runway incidents at several airports across the country and called for urgent measures by the relevant regulatory authorities.

The Senate passed the resolution following a motion moved by the Senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Abdulfatai Buhari.

Senator Buhari, who pushed for the strengthening of aviation safety, drew attention to the recent report of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) on the 22 June 2025 Air Peace runway incident at the Port Harcourt International Airport.

An Air Peace aircraft had overshot the runway, with the report citing “critical gaps in safety standards, infrastructure management, and operational compliance.”

The Oyo senator noted that the observed lapses could put the lives of air travellers at risk, as well as erode public confidence in the country’s aviation services if not quickly addressed.

For instance, he told the session that in 2025 alone, the industry had recorded seven near-air mishaps, expressing concern over the finding that the Air Peace pilot involved in the Port Harcourt incident was intoxicated.

Buhari stated, “Aviation safety is not negotiable.

“The NSIB report shows systemic failures that must be addressed urgently to safeguard passengers and restore confidence in our airports.”

While passing the motion, the Senate called on the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), to implement the NSIB report and further strengthen air safety within six weeks.

Similarly, the Senate urged the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to “strengthen compliance monitoring, conduct routine audits of airport facilities, and enforce strict adherence to international safety standards by operators.”

FAAN was also directed to prioritise the rehabilitation of runways, the provision of airfield lighting, and the installation of modern navigational aids, beginning with the Port Harcourt International Airport.

In addition, the resolution called for the construction of a second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to improve operational safety and reduce pressure on the airport’s existing runway.

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