The tragic crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, has prompted renewed efforts to strengthen collaboration between Nigeria’s civil and military aviation authorities as recovery operations continue at the crash site.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, have agreed to establish a framework for closer cooperation between the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Air Force in areas such as aviation safety, airworthiness, certification, training and capacity building.
The decision followed a condolence visit by Keyamo to the Chief of Air Staff in Abuja after the accident that claimed the lives of all 32 people on board.
Speaking during the visit, Keyamo said the incident underscored the need for stronger collaboration between civilian and military aviation operators.
“It is one country, one people. When disaster happens, it affects everybody,” the minister said.
He disclosed that a joint committee would be established to coordinate cooperation between both sectors while respecting their respective statutory responsibilities. Aneke welcomed the initiative, expressing confidence that greater collaboration would improve safety standards and operational efficiency across Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Meanwhile, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa commended the pilot’s actions, saying the aircraft was deliberately steered away from residential areas before crashing into a swamp approximately 200 metres from nearby communities.
The governor described the crash scene as disturbing, noting that body parts, clothing and aircraft debris had been recovered, while the main wreckage remained submerged. Recovery teams have deployed amphibious equipment, side-scan sonar technology, Navy divers and Air Force drones to locate and retrieve the aircraft.
Senior military officials, including the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, and Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdul Suleh, have visited the site to assess ongoing operations.
The tragedy has also drawn national attention, with political leaders and stakeholders expressing condolences. Former presidential candidate Peter Obi visited the Air Force facility in Abuja to sign the condolence register, while Bayelsa State observed a minute’s silence in honour of four indigenes who died in the crash.
Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing.
