By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The Senate has cleared Air Peace of wrongdoing in the July 13 runway overrun at Port Harcourt International Airport, describing the drug and alcohol allegations against the airline’s pilots as “inconsistent and uncoordinated.”
The decision followed an investigation by the Senate Committee on Aviation, which reviewed the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), report and found discrepancies that could harm Nigeria’s aviation reputation.
Committee Chairman, Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), said the aircraft sustained no damage and returned to Lagos the same day, warning that inaccurate reports could erode global confidence in the country’s air safety ratings.
He commended Air Peace and other domestic carriers for maintaining strict safety standards and urged regulators to support indigenous airlines.
Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema, criticised the NSIB’s handling of the matter, calling it misleading and damaging to the airline’s reputation.
He clarified that the incident resulted from human error, not mechanical failure, and reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to safety.
The Senate is expected to issue a final report recommending better coordination and clearer communication among aviation regulators.
