The Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, has disclosed that the Senate will conduct a public hearing next week to investigate several issues affecting Nigeria’s aviation sector, including allegations of drug use among pilots, incessant flight delays, and rising airfares.
Abdulfatai, who represents Oyo North Senatorial District, made this known on Friday during a media session in Lagos. He explained that the committee had received numerous petitions from the public on fare increases, flight delays, and loss of passengers’ baggage. The senator noted that airlines often justify the price hikes with reasons such as high maintenance costs and operational challenges.
He further revealed that a recent report by the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) alleged that some pilots engage in the use of hard drugs and alcohol. According to him, the Senate referred the matter to his committee for investigation, with a public hearing scheduled for Thursday, November 4.
“We want to invite everyone — the accused pilots, the Association of Pilots and Engineers, and even our colleague who confirmed the NSIB’s preliminary report,” Abdulfatai explained, adding that the exercise aims to ensure fairness while prioritizing passenger safety.
The lawmaker stressed that the committee’s objective was not to victimize anyone but to protect lives and maintain safety standards. He lamented the absence of random substance checks for pilots in Nigeria, unlike in developed countries where such tests are routine.
Abdulfatai disclosed that over 60 invitations had been sent out to key stakeholders, including the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo; NAMA; NiMet; NSIB; FAAN; NCAT; and major aviation associations. He pointed out that the committee deliberately gave invitees three weeks’ notice to ensure adequate preparation.
Speaking on efforts to strengthen the Civil Aviation Act, the senator described legislative amendments as a continuous process. He observed that many Nigerians are unaware of their rights as air passengers, citing a case in which a passenger won damages after suing an airline for flight cancellation.
He urged passengers to pursue justice when wronged rather than assume the judiciary would be biased. “People who are aggrieved by services provided should make efforts to seek redress,” Abdulfatai advised.
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