National Assembly Demands Full Audit of NAF Aircraft After Ondo Crash

The National Assembly is demanding a comprehensive audit of the serviceability of aircraft in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and presidential fleets after a military plane crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State. Lawmakers in both Houses raised concerns over frequent military aircraft crashes, aging planes, maintenance records, and safety audits.

Senate Resolution

The Senate’s resolution followed a motion moved by Osita Ngwu, Senator representing Enugu West. The upper House was concerned that successive military plane accidents resulted in the loss of many lives and questioned the maintenance, safety, and airworthiness of the aircraft.

They also expressed concerns about the poor condition of the aircraft and its impact on the lives of those deployed.

Their resolutions were that without a proper investigation, transparency, and public disclosure, the country would be unable to draw the necessary lessons to prevent such occurrences in the future. The Senate also directed the NAF and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to investigate the causes of the crash and report back to the House.

Furthermore, the Senate recalled its Committees on the Air Force and Aviation to the scene of the crash and ask the NAF to carry out a comprehensive audit of all aircraft in the presidential and military fleets.

The upper House also directed the Federal Government to prioritize funding for the maintenance and purchase of new aircraft for the NAF.

Besides, the senators requested a review of the amount budgeted for the maintenance of the NAF aircraft.

Adams Oshiomhole, Senator representing Edo North, requested the Senate’s leadership to obligate the NAF leadership to open the aircraft maintenance budget to the committee.

Tahir Monguno, Senator representing Borno North, seconded the motion, noting that a general audit of NAF aircraft would help determine their status and airworthiness and prevent the tragedy from recurring.

In addition, Titus Zam, Senator representing Benue North-West, argued that the audit would reveal how much money was budgeted for the maintenance of the aircraft and whether the allocation was sufficient.

House of Reps Resolution

The House of Representatives approved a motion moved by Alhassan Rurum requesting for improved aircraft maintenance and safety management. The House directed the NAF to put in place strict maintenance strategies and ensure that only aircraft that meet the required safety standards are operated, particularly aircraft.

Donald Ojogo commended the pilots for the crash, noting that their skills would have saved many lives if the crash had occurred over a sparsely populated area. “We must give kudos to the pilot. It is a very sad incident,” he said.

Babajimi Benson, Chairman House Committee on Army, noted that the crash was a tragic reminder of the dangers military personnel face while serving the nation. “We must never fail to appreciate their sacrifices in protecting our nation,” he said.

The House also observed a minute silence to honor the deceased crash victims and paid condolence to President Tinubu, the Chief of Air Staff, NAF, Ondo State Government, and the families of the victims.

The NAF ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, crashed on Friday, October 5, 2026, near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, while on a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos.

Source: https://www.thecable.ng/