NAF Plane Crash: Senate, Reps To Probe Air Force Aircraft Maintenance

The Senate has resolved to investigate budgetary provisions for the maintenance of Nigerian Air Force aircraft following the crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which claimed 25 lives.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Air Force, Sen. Osita Ngwu, who raised concerns over recurring military aircraft accidents and the need to strengthen aviation safety.

Presenting the motion today at the resumption of plenary, Sen. Ngwu reminded that the 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, which expressed concern that recurring military aircraft crashes had resulted in the loss of military personnel, raised 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 a 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.

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.

Like the Senate, the House of Representatives has resolved to carry out an investigation into the crash.

Following a motion by the chairman of the House Committee on Airforce, Kabiru Rurum, the House also resolved to carry out an audit of the aircraft in the fleet of the Airforce while calling for improved funding to ensure maintenance.