Senate Launches Full-Scale Probe into Nigeria’s Aviation Safety Amid Alarming Lapses

The Nigerian Senate has mandated a comprehensive investigation into the country’s aviation sector following a series of alarming safety incidents, citing urgent concerns over passenger safety and regulatory failures.

The resolution, passed on Wednesday, tasks the Senate Committee on Aviation with probing the root causes of frequent runway accidents and systemic safety deficiencies. The committee is required to report its findings within four weeks.

The decision was triggered by a motion from Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), who referenced a recent incident involving an Air Peace overrun in Port Harcourt and highlighted that seven similar runway-related events have occurred in 2025 alone. He warned that “critical gaps in safety standards” risk catastrophic outcomes if unaddressed.

Adding to the gravity of the session, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu alleged that some pilots operate aircraft while under the influence of drugs. “Some of them smoke Indian hemp like cigarettes,” he claimed, calling for mandatory spot checks. Kalu further criticized the poor state of the nation’s runways, describing them as unsafe and poorly maintained.

While supporting the motion, lawmakers like Senator Danjuma Goje cautioned against sensationalism, emphasizing that aviation safety “is a matter of life and death.”

The Senate also urged the expedited construction of a second runway in Abuja to alleviate congestion and enhance safety. Presiding officer Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau described the motion as timely and tasked the committee with restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s airspace.