THE Senate has resolved to investigate budgetary provisions for the maintenance of Nigerian Air Force aircraft following the crash of an aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which reportedly claimed 25 lives, raising fresh concerns about military aviation safety, ageing aircraft and funding for regular maintenance.
News Point Nigeria reports that the resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Air Force, Senator Osita Ngwu, who expressed concern over recurring military aircraft accidents and the need to strengthen aviation safety.
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Presenting the motion on Tuesday at the resumption of plenary, Ngwu recalled that a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on October 5, 2026, while on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos.
The Senate expressed concern that recurring military aircraft crashes had resulted in the loss of military personnel, prompting questions about aircraft maintenance, the condition of ageing fleets and compliance with operational safety standards.
Lawmakers further underscored that the operational readiness and airworthiness of military aircraft were critical to national security, intelligence gathering and defence.
They warned that failure to conduct a transparent and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash could undermine efforts to prevent similar tragedies.
Consequently, the Senate urged the Federal Government to prioritise funding for the regular maintenance and replacement of ageing military aircraft to improve operational safety and protect the lives of military personnel.
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It also mandated its committees on Air Force and Aviation to visit the crash site, engage with Nigerian Air Force authorities and conduct a comprehensive audit of the serviceability and airworthiness of aircraft in the presidential and military fleets.
The Senate further called on the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau to investigate the immediate and underlying causes of the crash and make their findings public.
The lawmakers said a thorough investigation and assessment of military aircraft would help identify possible lapses, strengthen maintenance procedures and improve compliance with aviation safety requirements.
Like the Senate, the House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the crash, signalling a broader legislative push to examine military aviation safety and aircraft maintenance practices.
Following a motion by the Chairman of the House Committee on Air Force, Kabiru Rurum, the House also resolved to conduct an audit of aircraft in the Nigerian Air Force fleet.
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The House further called for improved funding to ensure the proper maintenance of military aircraft, stressing the need to safeguard personnel and strengthen the operational capacity of the service.
The twin resolutions by the Senate and House of Representatives come amid concerns about recurring military aircraft accidents and the need for transparent investigations, adequate maintenance funding and regular assessments of aircraft airworthiness.
