Over 2000 passengers die in air crashes; aviation authorities ask airlines to assist victims’ families

Nigeria has lost no fewer than 2,038 passengers to air crashes across the nation in 53 years.

The Accident Investigation Bureau CEO Akin Olteru made this known at the 2022 International Day for for the Commemoration of Air Crash Victims and their Families.

He taxed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to ensure airlines develop compensation plans for the families of the victims.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

According to him, to support families of victims of air crashes, the International Civil Aviation Organisation came up with policies to champion this.

The family assistance plans, he said , include provision of services and information that would address the concerns and needs of the aircraft accident victims and their families.

“The ICAO policies and guidelines ensure that the needs of the victims and their families are addressed in a timely manner,” said.

“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.

“The NCAA should also ensure that such assistance programmes are supervised, exercised and audited appropriately.”