…..Urges Public Confidence in Nigerian Aviation
By Fatima Saka
The Senate Committee on Aviation has exonerated Air Peace Airlines of any wrongdoing in the July 13 runway overshoot incident at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Rivers State, emphasizing that the occurrence was a routine aviation event that did not endanger lives or compromise aircraft integrity.
This followed an investigative session held on Thursday in Abuja, during which the Committee, chaired by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), met with key aviation stakeholders, including Air Peace Chairman Mr. Allen Onyema, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
After a closed-door meeting that lasted over an hour, the committee declared that preliminary findings revealed no evidence of mechanical failure, pilot intoxication, or negligence as earlier speculated.
“Our review showed that most of the allegations were unfounded. The preliminary report confirmed that the aircraft was in good condition and that the crew acted professionally,” Senator Buhari stated. “What matters most is that no lives were lost, and the aircraft was safely towed and flown back to Lagos. We must build public confidence rather than damage the reputation of our local airlines.”
He added that international aviation bodies were observing how Nigeria handled the situation, stressing the need for coordinated communication between investigative bodies and the media.
In his defense, Mr. Onyema commended the Senate for its balanced approach but cautioned against sensationalism in aviation reporting.
“Runway overshoots happen globally; what is important is how they are managed. Our pilots were tested, and none was found intoxicated. The aircraft was airworthy and returned to Lagos that same day,” Onyema clarified. “Air Peace remains one of the safest airlines in the world.”
FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, confirmed that her agency’s emergency response team acted swiftly to ensure passenger safety.
“All 96 passengers and seven crew members were safely evacuated. There were no injuries, and the runway was reopened after standard safety checks,” she said.
While noting that the NSIB investigation was still ongoing, the Committee expressed confidence that Nigeria’s aviation sector remained safe and well-regulated. It also encouraged Nigerians, including public officials, to patronize domestic airlines to boost the local aviation industry.
However, Senator Buhari further urged the press to report aviation matters responsibly, highlighting the need to protect the country’s aviation image and encourage indigenous carriers like Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines.
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