The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday expressed deep concern over rising aviation safety risks following revelations from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) report on the Air Peace runway overrun at Port Harcourt International Airport on June 22, 2025.
Sponsor of the motion and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), said the findings were “shocking and unacceptable,” particularly the revelation that the pilot, co-pilot, and some cabin crew members of the affected flight tested positive for drugs.
“Since January, we have recorded at least seven runway incidents. Initially, we thought they were isolated cases until the NSIB report exposed the gravity of the problem,” Senator Buhari told journalists after plenary.
He warned that unless the situation is urgently addressed, it could lead to a major disaster. The lawmaker said the Senate Committee on Aviation will summon all relevant aviation agencies—FAAN, NCAA, NAMA, and NSIB—for clarification and accountability.
Buhari also called for random drug and alcohol testing for pilots and crew members, in line with global safety practices.
“In other countries, aviation authorities conduct random tests on pilots for drugs and alcohol. We must adopt the same measures to protect lives,” he said.
The Senate granted the committee four weeks to investigate the matter and submit recommendations for enhanced safety oversight in the aviation sector.
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