Senate Clears Air Peace of Negligence Over Drug Allegations

The Nigerian Senate has absolved Nigeria’s leading carrier, Air Peace, of any wrongdoing or negligence regarding the recent drug trafficking incident involving the airline’s crew in Saudi Arabia. The Senate’s Committee on Aviation, in its report presented on Monday, concluded that the airline exercised due diligence and followed all aviation safety and security protocols before the flight’s departure.

The incident, which sparked national outrage and diplomatic tension between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, occurred when Saudi authorities arrested two members of an Air Peace cabin crew for alleged possession of illicit drugs. The airline had maintained its innocence, insisting that the illegal substances were not part of its official cargo or belongings of any legitimate crew members.

After a series of investigations, the Senate Committee chaired by Senator Ahmed Abdulhamid (APC, Kano Central) stated that there was no evidence linking Air Peace or its management to the alleged drug trafficking. According to the committee, findings from relevant agencies—including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)—confirmed that the airline complied with all pre-boarding and cargo screening regulations.

“The Committee’s investigation revealed that Air Peace did not act negligently. All necessary security checks were conducted before the aircraft departed Nigeria,” Senator Abdulhamid told lawmakers during the plenary session. “The incident appears to have been orchestrated by external elements taking advantage of international flight operations. The airline followed due process, and there is no basis to hold it responsible.”

The Senate subsequently adopted the committee’s report and passed a resolution clearing Air Peace of any negligence, while also commending the airline for its swift cooperation during the investigation and its consistent contribution to Nigeria’s aviation sector.

In addition, the Senate called on the Federal Government to intensify collaboration with Saudi authorities to ensure the release of the detained crew members and to establish stricter bilateral aviation security protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, lauded Air Peace for maintaining high operational standards and promoting Nigeria’s image globally through its international routes. He described the airline’s role in expanding Nigeria’s aviation reach—particularly its recent Lagos–London and Lagos–Jeddah routes—as a symbol of national pride.

“We must protect our own when they are unfairly treated abroad,” Akpabio said. “Air Peace has consistently represented Nigeria with excellence, and this Senate stands firmly with the airline and its personnel. The incident in Saudi Arabia must not deter our local airlines from expanding internationally.”

In its recommendation, the committee urged the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the NDLEA, and the NCAA to enhance coordination and strengthen baggage screening systems at all international airports. It also proposed the establishment of a multi-agency task force to monitor security compliance and investigate any future incidents involving Nigerian airlines abroad.

Air Peace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, had earlier appeared before the committee, where he provided a detailed explanation of the airline’s safety procedures and cooperation with regulatory agencies. Onyema reiterated that Air Peace was a victim of circumstances beyond its control and thanked the Nigerian public and the Senate for their support during the ordeal.

“We are grateful to the Senate for standing for the truth. Air Peace has always operated transparently and in full compliance with international aviation standards,” Onyema said. “Our commitment to upholding Nigeria’s image and maintaining safe, secure operations remains unwavering.”

Aviation stakeholders have commended the Senate’s resolution, describing it as a welcome development that restores confidence in Nigerian carriers operating on international routes. The Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI) noted that clearing Air Peace of wrongdoing would help prevent unnecessary reputational damage to local airlines and encourage fair treatment of Nigerian operators abroad.

Similarly, the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) praised the Senate for its “swift and patriotic” response, saying the decision would reassure passengers and investors about the integrity of Nigeria’s aviation system.

“This development underscores the importance of due process and the need for Nigeria to protect its corporate citizens from undue foreign embarrassment,” NANTA President Susan Akporiaye said in a statement. “Air Peace has shown remarkable professionalism in its operations, and the Senate’s position is both just and commendable.”

Meanwhile, diplomatic talks between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia are ongoing, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirming that efforts are being made to secure the release of the detained crew members. Officials said that Saudi authorities have assured their Nigerian counterparts of fair treatment and due legal process.

Industry observers believe that the incident highlights the urgent need for stronger inter-governmental collaboration on aviation security and intelligence-sharing. They also called for the adoption of more sophisticated cargo screening technologies at Nigerian airports to forestall infiltration by criminal networks.

Air Peace, founded in 2013, has become Nigeria’s largest privately owned airline, operating both domestic and international routes. The company recently gained global recognition for its resilience, operational efficiency, and its pioneering efforts in expanding African aviation connectivity.

With the Senate’s clearance, the airline is expected to resume normal operations on all its routes without any regulatory encumbrances, as authorities move to restore confidence in Nigeria’s air transport sector.