•Constitutes 12-member investigation board
From Adesuwa Tsan, Ndubuisi Orji and Molly Kilete, Abuja
The National Assembly has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, alongside a thorough audit of military aircraft to establish their serviceability and airworthiness.
The Senate and House of Representatives also called for improved funding for aircraft maintenance and stronger aviation safety measures, with the House urging the Federal Government to provide welfare support and compensation to the victims’ families.
The resolutions came as the NAF announced the constitution of a 12-member Aircraft Accident Investigation Board to determine the circumstances surrounding the October 5 crash, establish its causes and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
While the Senate demanded that the investigation findings be made public and extended its proposed airworthiness audit to the presidential fleet, both chambers expressed concern over recurring military aircraft accidents and the need to strengthen operational safety.
However, the casualty figures cited by the two chambers differ. The Senate motion put the death toll at 32, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members, while the House motion cited 25 deaths. An earlier NAF statement identified 25 victims, comprising 20 passengers and five crew members. The discrepancy remains unresolved.
The ATR-42 aircraft crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, while on a mission from Benin City to Lagos.
Adopting a motion sponsored by Osita Ngwu, the Senate urged the NAF and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to conduct a transparent and comprehensive investigation into the immediate and underlying causes of the accident and make their findings public.
It mandated its Committees on Air Force and Aviation to visit the crash site, engage relevant Air Force authorities and undertake a comprehensive audit of the serviceability and airworthiness of aircraft in the presidential and military fleets.
The Senate also urged the Federal Government to prioritise funding for regular maintenance and the replacement of ageing military aircraft to prevent further loss of lives.
Lawmakers expressed concern that recurring military aircraft crashes had continued to claim lives, raising questions about maintenance practices, ageing fleets, operational safety procedures and airworthiness.
They stressed the need for a transparent, thorough and independent investigation to establish the facts surrounding the latest incident and prevent similar tragedies.
According to the motion, air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 a.m. Attempts to restore radio communication were unsuccessful before a search-and-rescue operation involving the NAF and other relevant authorities located the wreckage.
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 NAF, the Ondo State Government and the bereaved families.
In a separate resolution, the House of Representatives mandated its Committees on Air Force and Aviation to investigate the crash and conduct a comprehensive audit of the serviceability and airworthiness of NAF aircraft.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Alhassan Usman Rurum on the crash and the need to strengthen military aviation safety.
The House also observed a minute’s silence for the victims and urged the Federal Government to provide appropriate welfare support and compensation to their families in accordance with applicable laws and policies.
It called on the NAF to strengthen its aircraft maintenance and airworthiness management systems, particularly in relation to ageing aircraft, and ensure that only aircraft meeting prescribed safety requirements were deployed for operations.
The lawmakers further urged the Federal Government to ensure adequate funding and the timely release of approved budgetary allocations to the NAF for aircraft maintenance, procurement of spare parts, technical support and other critical aviation safety requirements.
They also called on the service to strengthen periodic safety assessments, technical inspections and operational risk-management procedures to minimise the recurrence of similar tragedies.
The House commended the personnel and agencies involved in the emergency response following the crash.
Leading the debate, Rurum said the NAF’s responsibilities in national defence, intelligence, military logistics and other operations made aircraft serviceability and operational safety matters of paramount national importance.
He expressed concern that inadequate funding, delayed budgetary releases, shortages of spare parts and other logistical constraints could undermine aircraft serviceability and compromise aviation safety.
“The loss of lives in the incident underscores the need for sustained attention to military air assets and aviation risk management within the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.
Meanwhile, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the service had constituted a 12-member Aircraft Accident Investigation Board comprising specialists in aviation operations, flight safety, piloting, air traffic control, aircraft engineering, maintenance, medical services and other relevant disciplines.
Air Vice Marshal F. O. Ankeli is the president of the investigation board, while Air Vice Marshal E. O. E. Ebiowe, head of the Investigation and Recovery Team, is coordinating the wider response.
Representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the NSIB are also participating in the investigation, bringing civilian aviation expertise to the process.
Ejodame said the board would examine the operational, technical, environmental, human and organisational factors surrounding the accident.
He added that it would systematically document and preserve evidence while assessing the emergency response, including search-and-rescue operations, medical services, recovery activities and accident-site management.
“The Board is expected to make practical, evidence-based recommendations to address any identified deficiencies, strengthen aviation safety and reduce the likelihood of similar occurrences.
“The participation of civilian aviation safety specialists further reinforces the importance attached to technical collaboration, professional scrutiny and accountability,” he said.
According to him, the NAF has established a direct helpline within the Directorate of Veterans Affairs at its headquarters to enable the recorded next of kin of the victims to obtain information and clarification.
He said meetings with affected families and other support arrangements were also being organised.
“The NAF recognises the public’s legitimate interest in the ongoing process and remains committed to providing appropriate updates as verified information becomes available.
“Conclusions regarding the cause of the accident would be premature until the investigation is completed and its findings are duly considered,” Ejodame said.
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