Nigerians are expressing concern about the increasing number of plane crash-landing incidents in the country’s aviation sector. Over the past 14 days, there have been two plane accidents. One involved a Boeing 737 Jet from Aero Contractors Airlines, which crash-landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau termed it a ‘serious accident.’ Another incident occurred last week when a private HS25B aircraft operated by Flint Aero narrowly avoided tragedy by crash-landing on the runway in Ibadan, Oyo State, with passengers, including the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, escaping unharmed.
These incidents follow a recent warning from the Nigerian Aviation Authority (NCAA) to pilots and airline operators regarding hazardous weather conditions during the dry season. Additionally, six months ago, a Max Air aircraft with 143 passengers crash-landed at NAIA, resulting in no fatalities, but raising concerns about aviation safety.
Despite assurances from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to investigate the accidents, the occurrences have instilled fear in the minds of Nigerians. Air passengers, such as Godwin Ezeokafor and Abdullahi Sani, are troubled by the rising cases of plane crash-landings, emphasizing the need for a serious overhaul of Nigeria’s aviation sector. They call on regulatory agencies like the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Aviation Authority (NCAA), and Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to fulfill their responsibilities.
Captain John Ojikutu, an industry expert, highlights the importance of regulatory agencies in ensuring aviation safety. He suggests a thorough investigation into the incidents, considering factors like runway maintenance, pilot proficiency, and aircraft condition. However, NSIB spokesperson Tunji Oketunbi defends the safety of Nigeria’s airspace, emphasizing ongoing investigations into the accidents and urging a proactive commitment to safety measures by regulations and operators.