Concerns among Nigerians are growing as the number of near-miss incidents involving aircraft continues to rise.

There is growing concern among Nigerians regarding the increasing frequency of plane crash-landing incidents within the country’s aviation industry.

Over the past 14 days, the nation’s aviation sector has witnessed two plane accidents. One occurred on Sunday, involving a Boeing 737 Jet (registration number 5N-BYQ) belonging to Aero Contractors Airlines, which crashed and landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau classified this incident 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 at Ibadan, Oyo State. Passengers, including the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, survived the incident.

These occurrences follow a warning from the Nigerian Aviation Authority (NCAA) to pilots and airline operators about exercising caution due to hazardous weather during the dry season. Approximately six months ago, 143 passengers in a Max Air aircraft (registration No: 5N-MBD) narrowly escaped death after the plane crash-landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport when the plane’s tires burst into flames.

Although no fatalities have been reported in these incidents, they have instilled fear in the minds of Nigerians regarding aviation safety, despite assurances from the NSIB to investigate the accidents.

Air passenger Godwin Ezeokafor, who frequently travels the Abuja-Lagos route, expressed concern about the state of Nigeria’s aviation sector, emphasizing the need for serious reforms. Another passenger, Abdullahi Sani, advised travelers to be cautious when choosing airlines, hinting at some Nigerian airlines being perceived as unsafe.

Captain John Ojikutu, an industry expert, stressed the importance of Nigeria’s aviation regulatory agencies fulfilling their responsibilities to ensure safety. He suggested that a crack in the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport runway might be a contributing factor and emphasized the need for regular maintenance.

In response to inquiries about the recent airplane crashes, Tunji Oketunbi, NSIB spokesperson, assured the public that investigations were ongoing. He expressed confidence in the safety of Nigeria’s airspace but emphasized the importance of continuous improvement in regulations and operational practices to maintain vigilance and proactive commitment to safety.