The Senate and House of Representatives have called for a comprehensive audit of Nigerian Air Force aircraft and a review of maintenance funding following the crash in Ondo State.
The National Assembly has called for a comprehensive audit of the serviceability and airworthiness of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft following a recent crash in Ondo State, raising concerns about recurring military aviation accidents, maintenance practices and the safety of ageing fleets.
The call was made on Tuesday by the Senate and House of Representatives, whose members urged stronger maintenance systems, improved operational safety protocols and greater oversight of military aircraft. Lawmakers also called for a transparent investigation into the crash and a review of budgetary provisions for aircraft maintenance to determine whether existing funding is sufficient to prevent similar incidents.
Senate Calls for Transparent Investigation, Aircraft Audit
In the Senate, the resolution followed a motion sponsored by Osita Ngwu, senator representing Enugu West, during plenary. Lawmakers expressed concern that recurring military aircraft accidents had claimed the lives of officers, raising questions about aircraft maintenance, fleet age, operational safety and airworthiness.
The Senate warned that without a transparent and comprehensive investigation, important lessons from the incident might not be identified and applied to prevent future occurrences. It observed a minute’s silence in honour of the victims and extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Air Staff, the Nigerian Air Force, the Ondo State Government and the families of those who died.
The upper chamber urged the NAF and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to conduct a thorough investigation into the immediate and underlying causes of the crash and make their findings public.
It also mandated its committees on Air Force and Aviation to visit the crash site, engage with NAF authorities and conduct a comprehensive audit of the serviceability and airworthiness of aircraft in the presidential and military fleets. The Senate further urged the Federal Government to prioritise funding for routine maintenance and the replacement of ageing military aircraft.
Tahir Monguno, senator representing Borno North, seconded the motion and stressed the need to establish whether aircraft in the NAF fleet were fit for service.
“It is high time for our relevant committees to conduct a comprehensive audit to determine the serviceability and readiness of the aircraft in the fleet of the Nigerian Air Force, to determine their airworthiness, so that we will prevent a future occurrence of this ugly scenario,” he said.
Senators Seek Disclosure of Aircraft Maintenance Budgets
Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo North, proposed an additional resolution directing the NAF leadership to submit its aircraft maintenance budgetary provisions to the Senate through the relevant committee.
“It is my prayer that the senate directs the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force to make available to the senate, through the relevant senate committee, the budgetary provisions for the maintenance of the aircraft,” he said.
Titus Zam, senator representing Benue North-West, seconded the proposal, saying the inquiry should establish how much had been allocated to aircraft maintenance and whether the available funds were sufficient to support safe operations.
The proposed review is intended to strengthen legislative oversight of military aviation spending and determine whether maintenance funding, aircraft replacement and operational requirements are adequately addressed.
Reps Demand Stronger Aircraft Maintenance Standards
In the House of Representatives, lawmakers also called for stronger aircraft maintenance and airworthiness management following a motion moved by Alhassan Rurum.
After adopting the motion, the House urged the NAF to strengthen maintenance systems, particularly for ageing aircraft, and ensure that only aircraft meeting prescribed safety standards are deployed for operations.
Donald Ojogo, a member of the House, commended the pilot, saying the crew’s actions helped minimise the potential destruction that could have occurred had the aircraft crashed in a densely populated area.
“We have to give kudos to the pilot. It is a very sad incident,” he said.
Babajimi Benson, chairman of the House Committee on Army, described the crash as a painful reminder of the risks military personnel face while serving the country.
“We must never take their service and courage for granted,” Benson said.
The National Assembly’s resolutions place aircraft safety, maintenance funding and accountability at the centre of the response to the Ondo crash, with lawmakers seeking a clearer assessment of fleet readiness and measures to reduce the risk of future military aviation accidents.
