The House of Representatives has called for an independent investigation into the fatal Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash that claimed the lives of some military personnel. It also called for a comprehensive audit of military aircraft and their maintenance systems.
The House made the call on Tuesday during plenary after Alhassan Usman (APC, Kano) moved an urgent motion on the incident, urging the federal government to strengthen aircraft maintenance, ensure adequate funding for the military and improve operational safety. The motion followed the crash in Ondo State, which prompted search-and-rescue operations involving local divers and security agencies. No survivors were reported.
Mr Usman said the loss of military personnel underscored the need for sustained investment in military aviation infrastructure, aircraft maintenance and the logistical support required to keep military aircraft operational and safe. He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force, describing the incident as a painful loss to the country.
Mr Usman raised concerns about inadequate funding, shortages of spare-parts and logistical constraints, warning that these could undermine aircraft maintenance and compromise operational safety. He urged the federal government to provide adequate resources for the military and ensure the timely release of approved funds for technical inspections, maintenance and other operational requirements.
Mr Usman also called for a comprehensive review of Nigerian Air Force aircraft and maintenance systems to establish whether the required safety standards and inspection procedures were being followed. He asked the House committees responsible for the Air Force, aviation and defence to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and conduct an audit of military aircraft to identify safety gaps and recommend corrective measures.
Contributing to the debate, Donald Ojogo (APC, Ondo) supported the motion but called for an independent investigation into the crash, saying the circumstances surrounding the incident required