By GABRIEL AGBEJA

A total of 2,038 persons died in air accidents in Nigeria in 53 years between 1969 and 2002.

The Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria (AIB-N) gave the figure on Sunday in Abuja when its commissioner, Mr Akin Olateru, addressed newsmen.

The news conference held to mark the 2022 International Day for the commemoration of air crash victims and their families.

Olateru said 1996 of the victims died on board aircraft, while 42 passengers died on ground.

“Aviation is a very important part of global economy. I want to state unequivocally, that I consider the avoidable loss of lives as unacceptable.

“When an aircraft accident or serious incident occurs, it is always an unexpected and mostly fatal event that causes great distress and loss to victims and their families.

“This is the reason that we, at AIB-N, are determined to continue to extend the frontiers of safety in the aviation sector,” he said.

Olateru said the bureau was ready to employ the latest technology and the most qualified personnel to thoroughly investigate past occurrences.

He said appropriate recommendations would be made from the investigation of past occurrences to avert recurrence.

“We will ensure that we continue to review and improve our processes and procedures to reduce casualties associated with transportation.

“We will provide information and other support systems necessary to fulfil our mandate.

“With advancement in technology, it is our aim to achieve higher safety standards and ensure fewer fatal incidents in the future,” Olateru said. (NAN)

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