The Nigerian Senate has launched a comprehensive investigation into the aviation sector, following alarming revelations about alleged drug use among pilots and a recent runway overrun involving an Air Peace aircraft at the Port Harcourt International Airport.
The resolution follows a motion by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North) on the need to strengthen aviation safety standards in light of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB report on the June 22, 2025, Air Peace incident.
The lawmaker says the NSIB report exposed lapses in safety compliance, infrastructure management, and operational procedures across the aviation sector.
The Senate consequently directed its Committee on Aviation to conduct a full-scale investigation into the incident and other related safety concerns.
In his remarks, Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin emphasised the need for a thorough review of the sector to avert future tragedies, stressing that aviation safety must not be compromised under any circumstances.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North) made startling revelations, alleging that some pilots engage in drug use, particularly cannabis, without undergoing regular medical or drug screening before flights.
He criticised the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA and other relevant agencies for neglecting proper oversight, stating that many pilots operate aircraft without basic health checks such as blood pressure or fitness assessments.
Kalu further alleged that some pilots are poorly trained and rarely audited, adding that their negligence endangers passengers’ lives.
He urged the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo to ensure quarterly maintenance of runways nationwide, describing the current state of infrastructure as unsafe.
Also contributing, Senator Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central) stressed the need for the Aviation Committee to conduct robust oversight and hold regulatory agencies accountable.
He warned that aviation safety is a matter of life and death, where a single mistake can lead to disaster.
MUST READ: Senate to screen nominee for INEC Chairman, Prof. Amupitan on Thursday
Goje also called on the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to expedite plans for an additional runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, citing frequent flight delays of up to three hours due to over-dependence on a single active runway.
After deliberations, the Senate adopted a single resolution mandating its Committee on Aviation to investigate all safety concerns, including pilot conduct, drug use allegations, and infrastructure lapses, and to submit a detailed report within two weeks.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
