There is growing concern among Nigerians regarding the increasing number of plane crash-landing incidents within the country’s aviation sector.
Over the past 14 days, two plane accidents have occurred in the nation’s aviation sector. On a recent Sunday, a serious incident transpired when a Boeing 737 Jet with the registration number 5N-BYQ, owned by Aero Contractors Airlines, crashed and landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau categorized the event as a ‘serious accident.’ Similarly, another incident took place last week when a private HS25B aircraft operated by Flint Aero narrowly avoided tragedy by crash-landing on the runway in Ibadan, Oyo State. Passengers, including the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, escaped unharmed.
These incidents follow a warning from the Nigerian Aviation Authority (NCAA) to pilots and airline operators to exercise caution due to hazardous weather conditions during the dry season. Additionally, just six months ago, 143 passengers on a Max Air aircraft with registration No: 5N-MBD narrowly escaped death after the plane crash-landed at NAIA, with the plane’s tires bursting into flames.
While no fatalities have been reported in these incidents, they have heightened concerns among Nigerians about aviation safety, despite assurances from the NSIB to investigate the accidents.
Air passenger Godwin Ezeokafor, who frequently travels the Abuja-Lagos route, expressed worry about the state of Nigeria’s aviation sector. He emphasized the need for serious reforms, urging regulatory agencies such as the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Aviation Authority (NCAA), and Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to fulfill their responsibilities.
Another passenger, Abdullahi Sani, advised travelers to exercise caution when choosing airlines, suggesting that some Nigerian airlines may be unsafe.
Industry expert Capt. John Ojikutu emphasized the importance of regulatory agencies fulfilling their responsibilities to ensure aviation safety. He mentioned the possibility of a runway crack at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport contributing to the recent incident, emphasizing the need for periodic maintenance.
Responding to inquiries, NSIB spokesperson Tunji Oketunbi acknowledged the ongoing investigations and assured the public of the overall safety of Nigeria’s airspace. He stressed the importance of proactive commitments and constant vigilance in maintaining safety standards.