The Senate on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the increasing number of runway accidents and near-mishaps at airports across Nigeria, mandating its Committee on Aviation to conduct a comprehensive investigation and recommend urgent safety reforms.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), who drew attention to the findings of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) on the June 22, 2025, Air Peace runway overrun at the Port Harcourt International Airport.
Though no lives were lost in the incident, the NSIB report, according to Buhari, revealed “critical lapses in safety standards, infrastructure management, and operational compliance,” pointing to deeper systemic issues in the aviation sector.
“The frequency of these incidents is alarming. Aviation safety is not negotiable. The NSIB report shows failures that must be urgently addressed to protect passengers and restore confidence in our airports,” Buhari warned.
The Senator further condemned reports that the pilot involved in the Air Peace incident was intoxicated, stressing the need for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to intensify enforcement of safety and compliance regulations across the industry.
Adopting the motion, the Senate urged the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, alongside the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), to immediately implement the NSIB’s recommendations.
It also directed the NCAA to carry out regular audits of airport facilities and ensure that all operators adhere to international safety standards.
Lawmakers additionally reiterated the urgency of constructing a second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to enhance operational safety and reduce congestion on the existing one.
They also called on FAAN to prioritise the rehabilitation of runways, upgrade airfield lighting systems, and install modern navigational aids—starting with the Port Harcourt International Airport.
The Senate mandated its Committee on Aviation to interface with key stakeholders, including the NSIB, NCAA, FAAN, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and airline operators, and to report back with findings and recommendations within six weeks.
*Screens Amupitan, INEC chair nominee today
Meanwhile, the Senate will screen Prof Joash Amupitan, SAN, nominated by President Bola Tinubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), today, October 16.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Information, Office of the Secretary, Research and Information Department of the National Assembly, Mr Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, confirmed that the screening will take place in the Senate Chamber at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
According to the statement, the event will be broadcast live on national television to ensure transparency and public engagement.
Last week, President Tinubu forwarded Amupitan’s name to the Senate for confirmation following the expiration of his predecessor’s tenure.
The nominee, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Professor of Law, is expected to face questions on his plans for electoral reform, institutional independence, and credible elections.
Amupitan’s screening is expected to attract significant national interest, given INEC’s pivotal role in consolidating Nigeria’s democracy and restoring confidence in the electoral process.
Meanwhile, ahead of the exercise, former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson, has declared his full support for Amupitan’s nomination, describing him as a man of proven integrity and competence capable of leading critical reforms in the electoral body.
Dickson, a member of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, said, “A Professor of Law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria should understand that beyond the judgment of men and of the courts, there is also the judgment of God and posterity. I believe he will do things differently, and that is why I will be supporting his nomination.”
