Air Peace Refutes Report By NSIB Alleging Drug, Alcohol Use

Air Peace Refutes Report by NSIB alleging that members of its flight crew tested positive for drugs and alcohol, following a July 13 runway excursion involving one of its aircraft at the Port Harcourt International Airport.

The allegations stem from a preliminary report released by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), which claimed that toxicology tests on the flight crew indicated traces of alcohol and THC, the psychoactive substance found in cannabis.

According to the report, signed by Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, the findings were being reviewed under the investigation’s human performance and safety management components.

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However, in a swift response issued Friday, Air Peace Refutes reports, asserting that it has not received any official communication from NSIB confirming such toxicology results. The airline stressed that the captain was grounded solely for procedural violations, not substance abuse.

PRESS-STATEMENT

“The captain of the affected flight was relieved from duty for failing to adhere to Crew Resource Management principles and ignoring the co-pilot’s advice for a go-around — not for testing positive to a breathalyzer,” the statement said.

Air Peace emphasized its zero-tolerance policy on drugs and alcohol, noting that it frequently conducts internal screenings that go beyond regulatory requirements.

“Drug use is a NO-NO,” the airline stated. “Our alcohol use policy is stricter than the 8-hour pre-flight window required by law.”

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The airline also clarified that the First Officer, who had advised a go-around during the approach and was praised for his professionalism, has since been cleared by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and reinstated to active flying duties.

“If he had tested positive for any substances, the NCAA would never have cleared him,” the airline argued.

Air Peace concluded by pledging enhanced monitoring, fitness-for-duty checks, and more frequent alcohol and drug screenings for its personnel, reaffirming its commitment to operational safety.