Precious Nwonu, Enugu

The Senate and House of Representatives have resolved to investigate the maintenance and airworthiness of Nigerian Air Force aircraft following a crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which reportedly claimed 25 lives.

The Senate adopted the resolution on the resumption of plenary after a motion sponsored by the Chairman of its Committee on Air Force, Senator Osita Ngwu, who raised concerns over recurring military aircraft accidents and aviation safety.

Ngwu recalled that an Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, with registration number NGR 931, crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area, on October 5, 2026, while on a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos.

Lawmakers expressed concern over the loss of military personnel in aircraft accidents, questioning the maintenance of military planes, the condition of ageing fleets and compliance with operational safety requirements.

The Senate stressed that the airworthiness of military aircraft was essential to national security, intelligence operations and defence readiness.

It warned that failure to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the latest crash could undermine efforts to prevent similar incidents.

As part of its resolutions, the Senate urged the Federal Government to increase funding for regular aircraft maintenance and the replacement of ageing planes.

It also mandated its committees on Air Force and Aviation to visit the crash site, engage with Air Force authorities and conduct a comprehensive assessment of the serviceability and airworthiness of aircraft in the presidential and military fleets.

The upper chamber further called on the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau to investigate both the immediate and underlying causes of the crash and make their findings public.

The House of Representatives also resolved to investigate the incident following a motion sponsored by the Chairman of its Committee on Air Force, Kabiru Rurum.

The House equally called for an audit of aircraft in the Air Force fleet and improved funding to ensure proper maintenance.

The investigations are expected to examine aircraft safety and maintenance practices, with the aim of identifying possible lapses and preventing future accidents.