The House of Representatives Committee on Aviation Technology is set to organise a national summit to address issues affecting the aviation industry.
Chairman of the committee, Rep. Abiodun Akinlade (APC-Ogun), made this known in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the move was sequel to Thursday’s Port-Harcourt helicopter crash that claimed the lives of five staff members of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
While expressing concern over the incident, Akinlade assured Nigerians that efforts were already on to ensure that the country’s airspace was safe for all to fly.
According to him, unforeseen incidences like this do happen globally, assuring Nigerians, however, that both the executives and the legislatures are working hard to ensure safest airspace around the world.
“We at the committee level demand the results of the investigation of the crash to avoid further occurrence.
“Very soon, there is going to be a national summit to address all issues that concern the aviation sector in Nigeria,” he said.
The lawmaker expressed sadness over the crash and prayed God to grant the departed eternal rest and comfort their families.
He commended the management team of Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and other relevant agencies for their quick response.
NAN reports that Sikorsky S-76 helicopter, with registration 5N-BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation, crashed one kilometre away from its destination in Rivers on Thursday.
The aircraft, which was said to be engaged by NNPCL, took off for the oil rig from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) and crashed around 11:22 a.m. along the waterways in Rivers. (NAN)
