The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged the government to audit defence spending and implementation of funds allocated for military aircraft maintenance following a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State. In a statement, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi described the crash as tragic and unfortunate. He said the incident renewed concerns over funding and maintenance of military equipment.
The ADC demanded a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash and maintenance of military equipment, particularly NAF aircraft. According to official figures, the Federal Government released N4.5 billion, representing 13.98 per cent of the N34.71 billion allocated for NAF aircraft maintenance as of December 2025. The party contrasted this with the allocation for the Presidential Air Fleet, where N20.27 billion, representing 97.76 per cent of the allocation, had been released within the same period.
The ADC argued that the disparity in funding warranted scrutiny, particularly given the risks faced by military personnel operating aircraft. The party stated that patriotism and condolence messages did not replace spare parts and accountability. The ADC called for investigations into the crash and a broader review of defence equipment maintenance and funding.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed condolences over the crash, describing the loss of service personnel as painful. PDP National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki said the party mourned personnel who contributed to the country's unity and survival. Turaki called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the crash and prayed for the repose of the victims.
Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, reported that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board the aircraft conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. The aircraft, an ATR-42 with tail number NGR 931, disappeared from radar at 9:13am before its wreckage was located near the naval base.
President Bola Tinubu directed the NAF to investigate the crash cause and extended condolences to the families of those involved. The NAF confirmed the aircraft was on a routine mission and activated search and rescue operations following the accident. The incident has raised concerns over military equipment maintenance and funding.
The ADC's call for an audit and probe into the crash is part of a broader reaction to the incident. The party and other stakeholders are pushing for greater accountability and transparency in defence spending and equipment maintenance. The government has been urged to take immediate action to address these concerns and prevent future incidents.
Key points
- The ADC demands an audit of defence spending and probe into the NAF aircraft crash.
- The incident has raised concerns over military equipment maintenance and funding.
- The government has been urged to take immediate action to address these concerns.
