A Nigerian Air Force aircraft has crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with 32 people reportedly on board.

The aircraft, identified as an ATR-42 with registration number NGR 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred on Monday.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed that preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard the aircraft.

Keyamo said air traffic controllers informed him that the aircraft disappeared while travelling towards Lagos at about 9:13 a.m.

Efforts to establish radio contact with the aircraft were unsuccessful before subsequent information confirmed that it had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda.

The wreckage has since been located, while search-and-rescue operations are ongoing.

The minister said the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority do not have regulatory control over military aircraft.

He, however, said he had spoken with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the ministry’s cooperation and assistance with the ongoing rescue operation.

NAF confirms aircraft ownership

The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that the aircraft involved in the accident belonged to the service.

In a statement issued by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said the ATR-42 was conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

The Air Force said it immediately activated a search-and-rescue operation in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.

“The NAF is committed to ensuring the success of the ongoing search and rescue efforts,” Ejodame said, adding that further details would be communicated as they became available.

The aircraft’s disappearance initially generated reports of a possible helicopter crash in the Igbokoda area. Authorities later clarified that the aircraft was an ATR-42 operated by the Nigerian Air Force.

No official casualty figure yet

As of the latest official updates, authorities had not released the condition of the 32 people on board or confirmed any fatalities.

Reuters and the Associated Press also reported that rescue operations were still underway and that there was no immediate official confirmation of casualties.

The crash occurred in a swampy area close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, according to reports from the scene.

The Ondo State Police Command also acknowledged the incident, while urging residents to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information as authorities worked to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash.

The cause of the accident has not been established.

Authorities are expected to provide further information as the search-and-rescue operation progresses.

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Flight operations in Nigeria could face fresh disruptions after the Association of Ground Handling Agencies of Nigeria (AGHAN) directed its members to suspend services to two domestic airlines over accumulated debts exceeding ₦9 billion.

The association issued the directive following its Executive Meeting held on September 4, where members expressed concern over prolonged financial obligations owed by some domestic airlines.

The affected airlines were not named in the statement, but their outstanding debts reportedly account for more than 70 per cent of the total indebtedness owed to AGHAN member companies.

Airlines given seven days to pay

Under the directive, the affected airlines are to receive seven-day notices of suspension of ground handling services.

The airlines have been asked to pay 75 per cent of their outstanding debts within seven days.

The remaining 25 per cent is expected to be settled through a mutually agreed structured repayment plan to be completed within 90 days.

The development could affect critical ground handling operations at Nigerian airports and potentially result in flight delays or cancellations if services are suspended.

Ground handlers explain ₦9bn debt crisis

AGHAN Chairman, Mr Olaniyi Adigun, and Vice Chairman, Ahmed Bashir Gulmah, said the failure of some client airlines to meet their financial obligations had placed considerable pressure on ground handling companies.

According to the association, the financial strain is affecting the ability of its members to meet obligations to employees, suppliers, statutory stakeholders, lenders and shareholders.

It also warned that prolonged non-payment could undermine investments required to maintain safe and efficient ground handling operations.

AGHAN said it recognised the critical role played by domestic airlines in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem and remained committed to resolving outstanding obligations through constructive engagement.

AGHAN seeks sustainable aviation industry

The association said the sustainability of ground handling operations requires a fair and responsible approach to commercial obligations across the aviation value chain.

AGHAN also reaffirmed its support for the five-point agenda of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

“AGHAN and its members remain committed to working constructively with domestic and international airlines, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), airport authorities and all aviation stakeholders to continuously improve safety, operational efficiency, service delivery and industry sustainability.”

The association added that its members would continue investing in personnel, ground support equipment, technology, training, safety systems and quality assurance despite prevailing financial challenges.

AGHAN urged the affected airlines to use the seven-day notice period to engage with their respective ground handling companies and meet the agreed payment requirements.

The association said the move was intended to prevent disruption while addressing the financial obligations threatening ground handling operations.

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……Competition Drives Affordable Travel Options for Nigerians

The inauguration of United Nigeria Airlines’ (UNA) direct flights on the Abuja–Accra and Lagos–Accra routes has led to a dramatic 50 percent drop in airfares on the Abuja–Accra corridor, the airline’s chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, announced.

Speaking at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport during the first Abuja–Accra flight, Prof. Okonkwo said the fare reduction by the only existing direct airline operator on the route benefits Nigerians directly by increasing travel affordability. He added that the new service is boosting competition, expanding passenger choice, and positively contributing to the nation’s economy.

Prof. Okonkwo also highlighted the safety standards of Nigeria’s aviation sector, noting that the country’s airlines operate under rigorous regulatory oversight. He explained that pilots and cockpit crews undergo proficiency certification every six months, a more frequent schedule than in many other countries, and emphasized that Nigerian carriers such as Air Peace and UNA hold the internationally recognized IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certification.

“When you fly with a Nigerian airline, you can be confident that all measures for safety have been strictly followed,” he said.

Representing the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Director of Special Duties, Horatius Egua, reiterated the regulator’s commitment to supporting local carriers. He urged Nigerians to patronize domestic airlines, stressing that a stronger local aviation industry would expand economic opportunities and reduce unemployment.

“We encourage all Nigerians to support indigenous airlines. United Nigeria Airlines is breaking new ground, and we will continue to ensure that safety and compliance standards are fully met across the sector,” Egua said.

The launch of UNA’s Abuja–Accra and Lagos–Accra flights marks a significant step in enhancing connectivity between Nigeria and Ghana while providing more competitive options for travelers.

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