The Senate Committee on Aviation has expressed alarm over a spate of recent confrontations between airline passengers and aviation personnel, describing them as a threat to public trust in Nigeria’s air transport system.
Abdulfatai Buhari, chairman of the committee, in a statement said the incidents highlight deeper concerns about operational standards, passenger rights, and discipline within the industry.
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Buhari noted, “These developments require immediate and coordinated action to protect the integrity of the sector and restore public confidence.”
The senator noted that, under its constitutional mandate, the committee will summon and engage key stakeholders including regulatory agencies, airline operators, security bodies, and civil society groups to establish the facts, review current procedures, and ensure corrective measures are implemented without delay.
“We will not allow procedural gaps or lapses in enforcement to undermine safety, professionalism, or public trust in our aviation system,” Abdulfatai stressed, adding that the committee would ensure accountability “at all levels.”
He assured that the Senate would maintain close oversight and drive the process towards enforceable solutions to prevent future occurrences.
Nigeria’s aviation industry had recently witnessed a series of high-profile altercations that have drawn public attention and sparked debate over conduct on both sides of the aisle.
On August 5, Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde, better known as KWAM 1, reportedly obstructed a ValueJet aircraft from taxiing at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The move allegedly followed a disagreement between the musician and the airline’s staff.
Just days later, an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos was disrupted when a passenger, identified as Comfort Emmanson, allegedly assaulted members of the cabin crew.
Read also: Authorities withdraw criminal case against Ibom Air passenger, reduce KWAM1 flight ban to one month
Nigerians have decried the incidents stating that such incidents, though rare, are damaging to Nigeria’s aviation reputation, which regulators have been trying to strengthen through safety audits, improved passenger service standards, and enhanced security measures.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regulates airline operations and enforces safety protocols, while the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) oversees airport facilities and passenger management.
