Senate aviation committee to probe airline–passenger clashes

Buhari Abdulfatai, chairman of the senate committee on aviation, has expressed concern over recent airline-passenger altercations in Nigeria.

He said the incidents raise questions about operational standards, passenger rights, and discipline within the aviation sector.

In a press statement on Wednesday, Abdulfatai said the developments require “immediate and coordinated action to protect the integrity of the sector and restore public confidence”.

He added that the committee, in exercise of its constitutional powers, will engage key regulatory bodies, operators, security agencies, and public interest groups to establish the facts, review procedures, and ensure corrective measures are implemented swiftly.

“We will not allow procedural gaps or lapses in enforcement to undermine safety, professionalism, or public trust in our aviation system,” he stated.

He assured that the committee is maintaining active oversight and will drive the process towards enforceable solutions to prevent recurrence.

In recent months, there have been noticeable skirmishes between passengers and airport officials.

On August 5, Wasiu Ayinde, the Fuji musician better known as KWAM 1, made the headlines for standing in front of a ValueJet aircraft in a bid to prevent it from taxiing for takeoff, at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Days later, a female passenger identified as Comfort Emmanson, allegedly assaulted some cabin crew members aboard Ibom Air’s Uyo-Lagos flight.