The Nigerian senate has exonerated West and Central Africa’s 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 “serious inconsistencies and uncoordinated findings” in the report.

Committee chair Abdulfatai Buhari said that while the aircraft was safely towed and no lives were lost, the NSIB’s shifting allegations—from broad claims of drug use to two individuals only—risk damaging Nigeria’s aviation image before global regulators.

Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema defended his airline’s safety record, noting the absence of mechanical faults and emphasising his company’s internal safety culture. He shared how the NSIB’s 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 processes—aimed at safeguarding passengers, supporting local carriers, and protecting Nigeria’s aviation reputation internationally.

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