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The Senate has resolved to analyze budgetary provisions for the upkeep of Nigerian Air Force, NAF, plane following a crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, that claimed 25 lives.
The decision adopted a movement moved by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Air Force, Senator Osita Ngwu, on recurring army plane accidents and the necessity to strengthen aviation security.
Presenting the movement throughout plenary on Tuesday, Ngwu mentioned the NAF ATR-42 plane, recognized in preliminary reviews by its tail quantity as NGR 931, crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on October 5, 2026, whereas on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos.
Ngwu expressed concern that recurring army plane crashes had resulted within the lack of lives, elevating questions on plane upkeep, ageing fleets and compliance with security requirements.
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He mentioned the operational readiness and airworthiness of army plane have been crucial to nationwide safety, intelligence gathering and defence.
The lawmaker warned that failure to conduct a clear investigation into the crash may undermine efforts to stop related tragedies.
Consequently, the Senate urged the Federal Government to prioritise funding for normal upkeep and the substitute of ageing army plane to enhance security and defend personnel.
It mandated its committees on Air Force and Aviation to go to the crash website, have interaction NAF authorities and conduct a complete audit of the serviceability and airworthiness of presidential and army plane fleets.
The higher chamber additionally known as on the NAF and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to analyze the instant and underlying causes of the crash and make their findings public.
