(SINL NIGERIA) In a bid to ascertaining the causes of frequent accidents and incidents on runways across the country, the Nigerian Senate has mandated its Committee on Aviation to conduct a thorough investigation into the aviation sector.
Specifically, the senate has harped on the need for the construction of a second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
According to the upper legislative chamber, this will enhance operational safety and reduce pressure on the existing facility.
This is sequel to a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North) on the need to strengthen aviation safety after the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) released its report on the June 22, 2025 Air Peace runway overrun at the Port Harcourt International Airport.
Senator Buhari opined that the NSIB report exposed “critical gaps in safety standards, infrastructure management, and operational compliance,” stressing that such lapses could endanger lives and erode public confidence in Nigeria’s aviation system
The lawmaker bemoaned over growing number of runway-related incidents, say that about 7 near air-mishaps have been recorded this year alone. Buhari also berated the alleged intoxication of the Air Peace pilot, while calling for immediate corrective measures.
“Aviation safety is not negotiable. The NSIB report shows systemic failures that must be addressed urgently to safeguard passengers and restore confidence in our airports,” Buhari said.
Meanwhile the Senate urged the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), to immediately implement the safety recommendations contained in the NSIB report.
It also directed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to strengthen compliance monitoring, conduct routine audits of airport facilities, and enforce strict adherence to international safety standards by operators.
