Senate Warns Against Aviation Safety Risks From VIP Movements

The Senate has directed an immediate engagement with key aviation agencies over concerns of potential safety risks at Nigerian airports owing to VIP movements and other security-related operations.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Isah Jibrin, who raised concerns over the prolonged holding of aircraft in the air while awaiting land clearance.

The lawmaker, during plenary on Tuesday, observed that commercial flights scheduled to land at some Nigerian airports are sometimes forced to remain airborne for extended periods, reportedly exceeding an hour, as landing operations are suspended to accommodate VIP movements.

He also noted that some international flights have had to divert to alternative airports within the country when access to their intended destinations is temporarily restricted.

While acknowledging the legitimate security considerations surrounding VIP movements, Sen. Jibrin warned that such operations must not compromise aviation safety.

He further expressed concern that prolonged airborne holding increases fuel consumption, depletes operational reserves and exposes aircraft to additional risks including adverse weather, air traffic congestion, diversion challenges and crew duty-time limitations.

The Senate has therefore mandated its relevant committee to engage the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), as well as the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau to address the concerns.

The committee is expected to conclude the engagement and report back to the Senate within two weeks.