# Nigerian lawmakers urge aviation regulators to consider alternative landing when VIPs are flying

> Nigerian lawmakers demand aviation regulators redesign procedures to safely divert planes during VIP movements.
- Title: Nigerian lawmakers urge aviation regulators to consider…
- Summary: Nigerian lawmakers demand aviation regulators redesign procedures to safely divert planes during VIP movements.
- Keywords: nigerian senate, aviation regulators, ncaa, nama, faan, nsib, president tinubu, very important persons, aircraft diversion, holding patterns, aviation safety, air traffic management
- Source: Premium Times Nigeria — https://premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/924194-nigerian-lawmakers-urge-aviation-regulators-to-consider-alternative-landing-when-vips-are-flying.html
- Author: Abdulqudus Ogundapo
- Published: 2026-11-10T17:34:41+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: nigerian senate, aviation regulators, ncaa, nama, faan, nsib, president tinubu, very important persons, aircraft diversion, holding patterns, aviation safety, air traffic management
## Senate urges aviation regulators
Nigerian lawmakers called for redesigning operational procedures to ensure aircraft are diverted to alternative airports when VIP movements require temporary airspace restrictions.
## Motion on risks of holding patterns
Senate debated a motion highlighting risks of keeping aircraft airborne for extended periods during landing suspensions for VIP movements or security activities.
## Senator Jibrin's concerns
Senator Isah Jibrin noted commercial aircraft sometimes remain airborne over an hour when landing operations are suspended for VIP movements or security activities.
## International flights affected
International flights sometimes divert to alternative airports within Nigeria when airspace restrictions occur at their intended destinations due to VIP movements.
## Security and operational requirements
Security and operational arrangements for VIP movements often require aviation and security agencies to protect officials and manage air traffic.
## Nigeria's aviation regulations
Nigeria's aviation regulations grant priority to aircraft carrying heads of state or equivalent dignitaries during air traffic management.
## 2021 ICAO presentation
Nigeria presented VIP flight movement protocols to the International Civil Aviation Organisation in 2021 through direct coordination between civil and military aviation authorities.
## Previous criticism
In April 2023, airline operators raised concerns about delays from VIP movements increasing fuel consumption and exposing passengers to operational risks.
## Roland Iyayi's proposal
A former NAMA managing director proposed establishing dedicated air corridors for VIP movements to minimize disruptions to commercial aviation.
## 2017 legislative attention
In December 2017, the House of Representatives considered a motion expressing concern that VIP movements prevented commercial aircraft from landing on short notice.
## Senator Diket Plang's warning
Senator Diket Plang questioned why aviation regulators allowed airlines to take off when VIP aircraft movements could disrupt landing operations.
## Senator Abdul Ningi's criticism
Senator Abdul Ningi noted airlines and regulatory agencies were behaving as though Nigeria were a lawless country with widespread flight delays and cancellations.
## Voice vote outcome
Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the motion to a voice vote and most senators supported the proposed changes to aviation procedures.
## Committee action
Senate directed its Committee on Aviation to convene a meeting between lawmakers and aviation regulators to discuss implementing the proposed changes.
## Key takeaway

Nigerian Senate urges aviation agencies to implement alternative landing procedures for commercial aircraft when VIPs require temporary airspace restrictions.