The Senate has ordered an investigation into the frequent closure of Nigerian airspace to accommodate movements of Very Important Personalities (VIPs), warning that prolonged restrictions could expose commercial aircraft and passengers to serious safety risks.
The lawmakers expressed concern that commercial flights were sometimes forced to remain airborne for extended periods, with some reportedly circling for more than an hour while waiting for clearance to land during VIP movements.
The development, according to the Senate, raises questions about the coordination of security arrangements and commercial aviation operations, particularly where aircraft are allowed to depart their originating airports despite anticipated restrictions at their destinations.
The resolution followed an urgent motion sponsored by Senator Isah Jibrin (Kogi East) during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Presenting the motion, Jibrin acknowledged the importance of security arrangements for the President and other protected officials but insisted that such measures should not compromise the safety of other air travellers.
He warned that keeping aircraft airborne beyond their scheduled landing times could increase fuel consumption, reduce emergency reserves and expose passengers and crew to adverse weather, air traffic congestion and other operational hazards.
The Senate also expressed concern that international flights had sometimes been diverted to alternative airports within Nigeria because of temporary restrictions at their intended destinations.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio criticised what he described as poor coordination among officials responsible for VIP movements and aviation authorities.
He disclosed that airspace restrictions were sometimes imposed long before the actual arrival or departure of the VIP, resulting in unnecessary delays for commercial airlines.
“So even when the President has not come down from upstairs, they have already closed the airspace. So that would take another one hour,” Akpabio said.
He explained that the situation could leave commercial aircraft circling for extended periods even when the VIP movement responsible for the restriction had not commenced.
The Senate President also recounted an experience in which passengers were kept inside a bus for approximately three hours while waiting to board an aircraft, describing the situation as evidence of the need for better coordination.
He consequently questioned whether similar restrictions were being extended to other public officials apart from the President.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Diket Plang (Plateau Central) blamed poor flight scheduling for some of the disruptions, arguing that airlines should not be permitted to depart for destinations where restrictions were already known to exist.
Drawing from his previous experience in the aviation industry, Plang maintained that proper timing and communication were essential to preventing avoidable flight disruptions.
He warned that inadequate airspace management could have serious consequences, particularly when aircraft were compelled to remain airborne while consuming fuel that might be required for emergencies or diversions.
Similarly, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) described the recurring delays as an urgent national concern, accusing aviation regulatory authorities of failing to adequately enforce operational standards.
Ningi recalled a recent journey from Kano during which a flight that should ordinarily have lasted about 40 minutes reportedly took two and a half hours because of airspace-related restrictions.
He lamented that passengers were frequently left stranded without adequate explanations whenever such disruptions occurred.
“We are operating as if we are a lawless country,” Ningi said, insisting that the National Assembly must strengthen its oversight of aviation agencies.
Following the deliberations, the Senate mandated its Committee on Aviation, chaired by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the restrictions.
The committee is to engage the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
The lawmakers directed the committee to examine existing procedures for imposing airspace restrictions, establish the categories of VIPs entitled to such security arrangements and identify operational lapses contributing to flight disruptions.
They also urged aviation authorities to consider diverting aircraft to alternative airports rather than keeping them airborne for prolonged periods when landing clearance is unavailable.
The Senate further called for advance communication of planned restrictions to airline operators, stressing that aircraft yet to depart should preferably be held on the ground while flight schedules are adjusted.
The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the Senate within two weeks.
The investigation comes amid concerns over the state of Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, with the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association recently threatening to withdraw its services over alleged inadequate communication and surveillance equipment.
The association has urged the Federal Government to address longstanding infrastructure deficiencies, warning that continued neglect could undermine the effectiveness of air traffic management across the country.
Meanwhile, Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo, has appealed to air traffic controllers to embrace dialogue, assuring them that steps are being taken to procure additional operational equipment.
The latest Senate intervention is expected to intensify scrutiny of the balance between VIP security arrangements and the safety of commercial aviation operations in Nigeria.
