The Accident and Investigation Bureau disclosed that Nigeria has lost 2,038 lives to air crash disasters from 1969 till date, the disclosure was made during the event held to mark the 2022 International Day for the Commemoration of Air Crash Victims and their Families in Abuja on Sunday.
Nigeria has lost 2038 lives to air crashes in the last 53 years
The Accident Investigation Bureau made the disclosure at an event to commemorate air crash victims.
The disclosure which was made by the AIB’s Chief Executive Officer, Akin Olateru was made in order to encourage the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to put more effort into taking adequate care of victims and their families when these accidents happen.
In his speech, the AIB boss said: “In Nigeria, from the year 1969 to 2022, a total of 2,038 (1996 on board passengers and 42 on ground) lives have been lost to air crashes.
“When an aircraft accident or serious incident occurs, it is always an unexpected and mostly fatal event that causes great distress and loss to the victims and their families.”
He further enjoined the NCAA to put more effort into attending to the needs of victims in a timely manner as stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation which has existing guidelines for such occurrences.
“I, therefore, would like to use this opportunity to recommend that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority put in place effective policies and regulations that will mandate airline operators in the country to have Family Assistance Plans as part of their emergency plan or procedure,” he said.
“The NCAA should also ensure that such assistance programmes are supervised, exercised and audited appropriately.”
The Director-general of the NCAA, Musa Nuhu, who was also present at the event responded to the recommendation made by the AIB boss saying that the issue will be looked into and the necessary adjustments made to fix whatever is lacking.
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