By Adamu Yusuf
Senate has resolved to investigate budgetary allocations for the maintenance of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft following a reported crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which allegedly claimed 25 lives.
The decision followed a motion moved by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Air Force, Senator Osita Ngwu, during plenary on recurring military aircraft accidents and the need to strengthen aviation safety.
Presenting the motion, Senator Ngwu said a NAF ATR-42 aircraft, identified in initial reports by its tail number as NGR 931, crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on October 5, 2026, while reportedly on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos.
He expressed concern that recurring military aircraft accidents had resulted in loss of lives and raised questions about aircraft maintenance, ageing fleets and compliance with established safety standards.
The lawmaker warned that failure to conduct a transparent investigation into the incident could undermine efforts to prevent similar tragedies.
The Senate urged the Federal Government to prioritise adequate funding for regular aircraft maintenance and the replacement of ageing military aircraft to improve aviation safety and protect personnel.
It also mandated its Committees on Air Force and Aviation to visit the crash site and conduct a comprehensive audit of the serviceability and airworthiness of presidential and military aircraft fleets.
The chamber further called on the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to investigate the immediate and underlying causes of the crash and make their findings public.
Editing by Khadija Kubau
