The Senate has decided to ask its committees on Air Force and Aviation to carry out an audit of the aircraft in the presidential and military fleets. They want to check the condition and safety of these planes.
The Senate also called on the federal government to make funding for regular aircraft maintenance a priority. They want to replace old military aircraft that are no longer safe to fly.
This decision came after a motion by Osita Ngwu, the senator from Enugu West. He spoke on Tuesday to remember the officers and crew who died in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State on 5 October.
Ngwu, who is part of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), shared his worry about the repeated military air crashes. He believes these crashes, which have taken many lives, are linked to poor aircraft maintenance, old planes, and failures in safety protocols and airworthiness standards.
He asked for a clear investigation into what caused the crash. He said without knowing the causes, it will be hard to prevent future accidents.
Twenty-five people were on board the NAF aircraft when it crashed over a week ago. Sadly, no survivors have been found.
President Bola Tinubu announced three days of national mourning for the fallen personnel. He also ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country.
Previously, the Senate postponed its national security summit, which was to hold on 12 and 13 October, in memory of the crash victims.
The NAF has promised a full investigation into the crash. They also assured the families of the victims that they would receive their benefits.
Most of the senators who spoke during the debate were in support of the motion.
Senator Tahir Monguno from Borno North, who seconded the motion, urged the committees to audit the NAF aircraft. He said this audit should check the planes' serviceability, readiness for operation, and safety to avoid future accidents.
Adams Oshiomhole, the senator for Edo North, also urged the Senate to tell the NAF to present its aircraft maintenance budget proposals to the relevant committees. Oshiomhole, who once served as Edo State governor, also asked the Senate to find out how much was allocated for aircraft maintenance.
Titus Zam from Benue North-West supported this idea. He noted that looking at the Air Force’s maintenance budget would help understand the funding and if it was enough.
After the debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio asked for a voice vote on the motion. Most senators supported it.
Akpabio then called on the Air Force and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation into the causes of the crash. He asked them to make their findings public.
He also instructed the Senate committees on Air Force and Aviation to visit the crash site to understand what happened.
Finally, the Senate President asked all senators to observe a minute’s silence for the deceased personnel and crew members.
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