Aviation
Senate Queries NCAA, Airlines on Drug Use and Aviation Safety Crisis
The Nigerian Senate has raised serious concerns over worsening safety standards in the country’s aviation sector following revelations that flight crew members of Air Peace tested positive for alcohol and hard drugs after a runway incident at the Port Harcourt International Airport.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, July 13, involved an Air Peace aircraft experiencing a runway excursion upon landing.
According to the preliminary report released by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), toxicological tests indicated the presence of alcohol in the systems of the pilot and co-pilot, with another crew member testing positive for cannabis, commonly referred to as “Indian hemp.”
Lawmakers expressed outrage during last Tuesday’s plenary session, condemning the incident and describing it as a major safety violation that threatens public confidence in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
In a motion sponsored by the Senate Committee Chairman on Aviation, Buhari Abdulfatai, the Senate emphasized that although no lives were lost, the findings “exposed critical gaps in safety standards, infrastructure management, and operational compliance within Nigeria’s aviation sector.”
The motion reads in part: “while no lives were lost, the incident exposed critical gaps in safety standards, infrastructure management, and operational compliance within Nigeria’s aviation sector. Concerned that operational safety challenges in recent years within Nigeria’s aviation sector have led to incidents and near misses and, if unaddressed and increased, could undermine public confidence in the aviation industry’s safety and endanger lives.”
The Senate added that the NSIB report revealed major deficiencies in runway conditions, airfield lighting, pilot decision-making, and regulatory oversight, calling for urgent corrective measures.
The Senate urged the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), to implement all safety recommendations in the NSIB report without delay.
It further called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to enforce strict compliance with international safety standards, strengthen regulatory oversight, and conduct regular safety audits across all airport facilities.
The motion also directed FAAN to “urgently rehabilitate damaged runways, install adequate airfield lighting, and upgrade navigational aids, starting with Port Harcourt International Airport.”
Additionally, the Senate mandated its Committee on Aviation to engage key industry stakeholders including the NSIB, NCAA, FAAN, and airline operators to ensure full implementation of safety measures and to report back within six weeks.
Lawmakers emphasized that aviation safety is crucial to Nigeria’s national security, economic growth, and its aspiration to remain Africa’s leading air transport hub. The Senate also commended the NSIB for the swift publication of the investigation report, noting that it promotes transparency and accountability in the sector.
This development comes amid increased public scrutiny following a series of near-miss incidents that have raised alarms about aviation safety protocols in Nigeria.
