The Senate has resolved to investigate budgetary allocations for the maintenance of Nigerian Air Force aircraft following a crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which reportedly claimed 25 lives.
The resolution followed a motion by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Air Force, Senator Osita Ngwu, who raised concerns over recurring military aircraft accidents and the need to strengthen aviation safety.
Ngwu told the Senate that an Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area, on October 5, 2026, while on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos.
Lawmakers expressed concern over the loss of military personnel in aircraft accidents and questioned the maintenance of aircraft, the condition of ageing fleets and compliance with operational safety standards.
The Senate urged the Federal Government to prioritise funding for regular aircraft maintenance and the replacement of ageing fleets to improve safety and protect military personnel.
It also directed its committees on Air Force and Aviation to visit the crash site, engage with Air Force authorities and conduct a comprehensive audit of the serviceability and airworthiness of aircraft in the presidential and military fleets.
The Senate further called on the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau to investigate the immediate and underlying causes of the crash and make their findings public.
The House of Representatives has also resolved to investigate the incident. Following a motion by its Committee on Air Force chairman, Kabiru Rurum, the House called for an audit of the Air Force fleet and improved funding for aircraft maintenance.