President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has raised concerns over disruptions to commercial flight operations caused by movements of Very Important Personalities (VIPs), warning that the practice could trigger a major aviation disaster if left unchecked.
Akpabio recounted how he was stranded with other passengers in an airport shuttle bus for almost three hours while waiting for a presidential flight to be cleared for take-off, despite being the serving Governor of Akwa Ibom State at the time.
The Senate President spoke during plenary on Tuesday following a motion by Senator Isah Jibril, who raised concerns over the growing disruption of commercial flight operations to accommodate VIP movements.
Lawmakers warned that forcing commercial aircraft to remain airborne for extended periods while awaiting clearance for VIP movements exposes passengers and crew members to serious safety risks.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Abdul Ningi recalled an incident in which a flight scheduled to last 45 minutes from Kano kept him airborne for two and a half hours because of restrictions linked to VIP movements.
Akpabio also questioned the timing and coordination of presidential security arrangements, noting that airport operations were sometimes restricted long before the President’s actual departure.
He warned that prolonged delays in the air could become particularly dangerous during the approaching harmattan season, as aircraft risk exceeding their fuel limits or encountering adverse weather conditions.
Following the debate, the Senate directed its Committee on Aviation to convene an urgent meeting with relevant authorities to develop practical solutions to the disruptions.
The lawmakers also demanded clarification on the categories of public officials entitled to airport and airspace restrictions, calling for clear operational guidelines to prevent further disruptions and safeguard aviation operations.