The Senate has resolved to investigate budgetary provisions for the maintenance of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft following a reported crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which claimed 25 lives.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision on Tuesday, expressing concern over recurring military aircraft crashes and raising questions about aircraft maintenance, ageing fleets and compliance with aviation safety standards.
In a statement issued by the Office of the Senate President today, Akpabio said the serviceability and airworthiness of military aircraft were critical to national security, intelligence gathering and the defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He directed the Senate Committees on Air Force and Aviation to visit the crash site, engage relevant Nigerian Air Force authorities and conduct a comprehensive audit of the serviceability and airworthiness of aircraft in the presidential and military fleets.
Akpabio also called on 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.
He said the investigation should identify possible operational and maintenance deficiencies and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.
The Senate President urged the Federal Government to provide adequate funding for the regular maintenance, rehabilitation and replacement of ageing military aircraft.
He stressed that funds appropriated for aircraft maintenance must be effectively utilised, adding that stronger legislative oversight was necessary to ensure operational readiness and protect military personnel.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Air Force, Senator Osita Ngwu, raised concerns about recurring military aircraft accidents while presenting the motion during Tuesday’s plenary.
Ngwu said 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, on October 5, 2026.
According to him, the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when the incident occurred.
Akpabio said a transparent and comprehensive investigation was essential to prevent future tragedies, reaffirming the Senate’s commitment to strengthening oversight of military aviation operations and improving safety standards.
