The Nigerian Senate has called for a comprehensive audit of Nigerian Air Force aircraft and the funds allocated for their maintenance following a reported military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The upper chamber also mandated its relevant committees to examine budgetary allocations for aircraft maintenance to establish whether funding shortfalls or other operational deficiencies may have contributed to recurring military aviation accidents.
The resolutions were reached on Tuesday following a motion sponsored by Senator Osita Ngwu, who represents Enugu West Senatorial District, concerning the October 5 crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
According to the motion, the aircraft, with registration number NGR 931, was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members on a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos when the incident occurred.
The proposed audit is also expected to help determine whether budgetary constraints, maintenance shortcomings or other factors have undermined the operational safety of Nigerian Air Force aircraft.
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