The Nigerian Senate has called for a comprehensive audit of Nigerian Air Force aircraft and their maintenance funding following a fatal air crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on October 5. The crash, which involved an ATR-42 aircraft with tail number NGR 931, resulted in the deaths of 25 people, including seven crew members. The Senate's resolution was prompted by a motion sponsored by Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West.
According to the motion, the aircraft was on a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos when it crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda. Air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 am, and attempts to reach the crew by radio were unsuccessful before a search-and-rescue operation located the wreckage. The Senate noted that the crash raised concerns over recurring military aviation accidents and the loss of personnel.
The Senate's resolutions also directed its relevant committees to scrutinise budgetary provisions for aircraft maintenance to determine whether inadequate funding or other lapses contributed to the crash. The lawmakers expressed concern over the safety of military aircraft and the need for a thorough investigation into the crash. They warned that failure to conduct a transparent and comprehensive investigation could prevent the authorities from identifying the underlying causes of the crash.
The Senate observed a minute's silence in honour of the victims and extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of the Air Staff, the Nigerian Air Force, the Ondo State Government, and the families of those who died. The chamber also urged the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau to conduct a thorough, transparent, and comprehensive investigation into the crash.
Senator Tahir Monguno, representing Borno North, seconded the motion and called on the relevant committees to conduct a comprehensive audit of aircraft in the NAF fleet. The exercise aims to establish the serviceability, operational readiness, and airworthiness of the aircraft to prevent a recurrence. Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, proposed an additional prayer asking the Senate to direct the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force to submit its aircraft maintenance budgetary provisions to the relevant Senate committee.
The proposed audit will examine not only the condition and operational readiness of military aircraft but also the adequacy of funds allocated for their maintenance. The Senate's move is amid concerns over the recurrence of fatal military aviation accidents. The lawmakers mandated their committees on Air Force and Aviation to visit the crash site, engage NAF authorities, and conduct a holistic audit of the serviceability and airworthiness of aircraft in the presidential and military fleets.
The Senate further urged the Federal Government to prioritise funding for regular maintenance and the replacement of ageing military aircraft. The audit is expected to provide answers to questions about aircraft maintenance, ageing fleets, operational safety protocols, and airworthiness. The findings of the investigation and audit are expected to be made public to ensure transparency and accountability.
Key points
- The Nigerian Senate has ordered a comprehensive audit of Nigerian Air Force aircraft and their maintenance funding following a fatal air crash in Ondo State that killed 25 people.
- The audit aims to establish the serviceability, operational readiness, and airworthiness of military aircraft and to determine whether inadequate funding contributed to the crash.
- The Senate has also urged the Federal Government to prioritise funding for regular maintenance and the replacement of ageing military aircraft.
