NCAA defends clearance of Air Peace co-pilot, citing due process and NSIB report after runway incident sparked drug and alcohol test controversy

The case stems from a June 13 incident when an Air Peace aircraft veered off the runway at the Port Harcourt International Airport after landing.

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Although no damage was recorded, the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) found that the aircraft touched down 2,264 metres beyond the threshold, well outside the recommended landing zone.

Following medical tests on the crew, the NSIB’s preliminary findings suggested the presence of drugs and alcohol, leading to public speculation about culpability. Air Peace rejected the report, insisting the findings were flawed.

Speaking during an X space discussion on Saturday, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the co-pilot was never indicted by either the bureau or the authority’s own inquiry.

He explained: “Based on the NCAA’s internal findings and the NSIB preliminary report, the co-pilot was not found culpable. In fact, he advised the captain to go around, which the captain did not heed. It is unjust to keep someone grounded for a year without evidence of wrongdoing.”

Achimugu added that NCAA rules are tested by real-life incidents and are consistently reviewed to strengthen aviation safety. He also clarified that airlines can implement their own internal measures but must report compliance to the authority.

The NCAA spokesperson further noted that while the co-pilot has been cleared, questions remain for the NSIB to address. “I flagged certain inconsistencies that I believe require urgent clarification. My DG has just returned to the country and is expected to speak to the matter formally tonight,” he said.

However, aviation analyst Bamidele Badmos, who joined the discussion, warned that the airline’s reputation could suffer internationally. “Air Peace operates international routes, and if Nigerians continue to treat issues like this with levity, our Bilateral Air Services Agreements could be jeopardised,” he cautioned.

Badmos stressed that aviation must be governed by uniform global standards, not business convenience. He also advised airline staff to avoid informal media interventions, warning that unguarded remarks could worsen public perception.

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The Director General of NCAA, Capt Chris Najomo, is expected to give a formal update on the incident after reviewing ongoing investigations.