NAF Plane Crash: Senate Probes Aircraft Maintenance Budget After 25 Deaths
The Nigerian Senate has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the maintenance of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft following a reported military plane crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which claimed 25 lives.
The Senate also directed its Committees on Air Force and Aviation to visit the crash site, engage relevant authorities and conduct a comprehensive audit of the serviceability and airworthiness of aircraft in the presidential and military fleets.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, expressed concern over recurring military aircraft crashes, warning that the loss of military personnel raises serious questions about aircraft maintenance, ageing fleets and compliance with aviation safety standards.
Akpabio, in a statement issued by EmemMaria Ntedodom, Head of Information, Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Senate President, stressed that the serviceability, airworthiness and operational readiness of military aircraft were critical to national security.
He said the continued loss of military personnel in aviation accidents underscored the urgent need for adequate funding, regular aircraft maintenance and strict adherence to internationally accepted aviation safety standards.
The Senate President called on the Federal Government to prioritise budgetary allocations for the maintenance, rehabilitation and replacement of ageing military aircraft to improve operational efficiency and protect the lives of personnel.
He also urged the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau to conduct a thorough investigation into the immediate and underlying causes of the crash and make their findings public.
According to Akpabio, the investigation must establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify possible operational and maintenance deficiencies, and recommend measures to prevent similar tragedies.
He warned that failure to conduct a transparent and comprehensive investigation could undermine efforts to improve military aviation safety and prevent future crashes.
Akpabio further emphasised the need to strengthen legislative oversight of military aviation operations, particularly to ensure that funds appropriated for aircraft maintenance were properly and effectively utilised.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Air Force, Senator Osita Ngwu, who moved the motion during plenary on Tuesday, informed lawmakers 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.
Ngwu said the aircraft crashed on October 5, 2026, while undertaking a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos.
The incident, which reportedly claimed 25 lives, has heightened concerns over the safety and maintenance of military aircraft, prompting renewed calls for accountability, improved funding and stricter compliance with aviation safety requirements.
