The Nigerian senate has exonerated West and Central Africaās biggest carrier, Air Peace, of allegations of pilot negligence and drug use in connection with a July 13 runway excursion at Port Harcourt International Airport. After reviewing the preliminary findings of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Senate Committee on Aviation found āserious inconsistencies and uncoordinated findingsā in the report.
Committee chair Abdulfatai Buhari said that while the aircraft was safely towed and no lives were lost, the NSIBās shifting allegationsāfrom broad claims of drug use to two individuals onlyārisk damaging Nigeriaās aviation image before global regulators.
Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema defended his airlineās safety record, noting the absence of mechanical faults and emphasising his companyās internal safety culture. He shared how the NSIBās early report and subsequent public speculation unfairly cast his airline in a negative light.
The Senate announced it will recommend reforms to ensure more transparent, coordinated investigation processesāaimed at safeguarding passengers, supporting local carriers, and protecting Nigeriaās aviation reputation internationally.
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