Nigeria’s last major aviation disaster occurred on June 3, 2012, when Dana Airlines Flight 992, using an MD-83 aircraft, crashed in Iju near Lagos, killing all 159 passengers and crew. The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) released a final report on March 14, 2019, which attributed the crash to mechanical failure and pilot error.

Aside from the Associated Airlines crash on October 3, 2013, in Lagos, most other incidents have involved military planes and helicopters. The aviation sector has otherwise remained largely accident-free, with Nigeria maintaining its Category 1 certification from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in March 2018.

However, recent minor incidents are warning signs that a thorough review of the industry is necessary to prevent future disasters. Over the span of two months, three incidents occurred: on June 22, 2019, an Air Peace plane overshot the runway at Port Harcourt International Airport; and on July 19, a man was seen on video climbing the wing of an Azman flight waiting for takeoff to Port Harcourt.

Just four days later, another Air Peace flight crash-landed in Lagos during bad weather, damaging its nose tyres. Fortunately, none of these incidents resulted in fatalities or serious injuries.

Although aviation authorities conducted a brief inspection of all airlines and declared them safe, there is a need for the National Assembly Committees on Aviation to carry out a more in-depth investigation. This should involve agencies such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Federal Civil Aviation Authority (FCAA), and the Nigerian Airspace Management Authority (NAMA), to assess the current state of the industry.

A public hearing should also be held for stakeholders and the public to discuss improvements to the sector. This is essential to restore confidence in the reforms initiated under former President Goodluck Jonathan and continued by President Muhammadu Buhari, ensuring that these reforms are not undermined by security lapses or shortcuts by airline operators.

Industry regulators must step up their efforts. With the threat of terrorism and other security challenges, it is vital to enhance the safety and comfort of air travelers, including expatriates, tourists, and investors. By doing so, Nigeria can reclaim its position as a leading regional aviation hub, a title it lost to Ghana due to the latter’s strict adherence to best practices.