The Nigerian Senate committee on Aviation 
has clarified that the pilots of the Air Peace aircraft that overran the runway at Port Harcourt International Airport on June 22, 2025, tested negative for drugs and alcohol.
This clarification followed widespread speculation after the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) released a report on the incident, which raised safety concerns in the aviation sector.
During committee meeting on Thursday , Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), emphasized that the report did not indict the pilots for drug use. He stressed that while the NSIB identified several operational and environmental factors that contributed to the overrun, none were related to substance abuse.
“The Senate wishes to make it categorically clear that the Air Peace pilots were not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The NSIB report does not contain such findings. We must avoid misinformation that could damage the reputation of our indigenous airlines,” Senator Buhari stated.
He further noted that the Senate remains committed to enhancing aviation safety standards, calling on relevant authorities to address infrastructural lapses such as poor runway conditions, inadequate lighting, and outdated
safety equipment at Nigerian airports.
Air Peace, in its response, welcomed the Senate’s clarification, reiterating its commitment to maintaining the highest operational and safety standards in line with international regulations.
The NSIB report also recommended enhanced training for flight and ground crews, improved communication between pilots and air traffic control, and regular runway maintenance to prevent future occurrences.
The Senate assured Nigerians that it will continue to monitor the implementation of these recommendations to safeguard lives and restore public confidence in the country’s aviation industry.
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