The House of Representatives has called for an independent investigation into the October 5 Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, and a comprehensive audit of military aircraft to establish their safety and operational condition.
The lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to release approved funds for aircraft maintenance and spare parts on time, warning that funding shortages and logistical challenges could undermine aviation safety.
The resolutions followed a motion of urgent public importance raised by lawmakers, including Donald Ojogo, who represents the area where the aircraft crashed, and Alhassan Rurum, Chairman of the House Committee on Air Force.
The crash reportedly killed all 25 people on board the ATR-42 aircraft during a flight from Benin to Lagos.
Ojogo called for an independent inquiry to complement the Nigerian Air Force’s investigation, citing the need to address public concerns and establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
“I want to plead that, because of the various claims and counterclaims that have come on the heels of this very important and unfortunate incident, there is a need for us to institute an independent probe,” he said.
He urged the government to examine the condition of military aircraft and ensure adequate funding for the Armed Forces.
Rurum also raised concerns about inadequate funding, delayed budgetary releases, shortages of spare parts and other logistical constraints affecting aircraft serviceability.
He said sustained investment in military aviation was necessary to support national defence, intelligence gathering and military logistics.
The lawmakers urged the Nigerian Air Force to strengthen its aircraft maintenance and airworthiness management systems, particularly for ageing aircraft, and ensure that only aircraft meeting prescribed safety standards were deployed.
They also called on the Ministry of Defence to conduct an immediate audit of military aircraft and equipment to identify potential safety gaps and recommend corrective measures.
Ojogo commended local divers, Nigerian Navy personnel, officials of Ilaje Local Government and the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency for their efforts at the crash site.
He also praised the pilot’s handling of the aircraft in its final moments, citing eyewitness accounts that it appeared to manoeuvre away from densely populated areas of Igbokoda.
“The calamity could have been worse than that if it was otherwise,” he said.
The House further urged the government to provide appropriate compensation and welfare support to the bereaved families in line with applicable laws and policies. It also called for posthumous commendations for the pilot and crew in recognition of their service.
Babajimi Benson, Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, supported calls for a thorough investigation and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen referred the motion to the House committees on Air Force, Aviation and Defence for further legislative action.
The lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of the victims.
The crash has renewed concerns about military aircraft maintenance, operational safety and the funding required to keep the Air Force fleet serviceable. Investigators are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify measures to prevent a recurrence.
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