By Oluchi Omai
In a striking move on Wednesday, the Nigerian Senate resolved to launch a comprehensive investigation into aviation safety practices, following a disturbing report from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB). The legislature has also called on the federal government to fast-track the construction of a second runway at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
According to the Senate’s decision, its Aviation Committee is to liaise with all relevant agencies — including the NSIB, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and air carriers — to deliver a full report within six weeks.
The push for renewed scrutiny was triggered by findings from an NSIB probe into a June 22, 2025 runway overrun involving an Air Peace Boeing 737-500 at Port Harcourt International Airport. Though no casualties were recorded, the Senate expressed deep concern over multiple safety lapses cited in the incident. These include deficiencies in runway conditions, problems with airfield lighting, questionable pilot decisions, and lapses in regulatory oversight.
In its resolution, the Senate argued that adding a runway in Abuja would help reduce operational bottlenecks and bolster safety margins—especially in the nation’s capital, where airport traffic is heavy and infrastructure demands are high.
Lawmakers also warned that similar mishaps have become too frequent nationwide, stressing that urgent corrective action is needed to prevent a future tragedy.
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