The Safer Skies Nigeria Foundation set up by the families of the 153 persons killed in the June 3, 2012 Dana Air Crash, says Nigeria is still at a high risk of plane crashes due to poor regulation, technical issues, poor funding of airlines and other issues.

The Chairman of the foundation, Mr. Paul Okwulehie, said this recently even as the families mark the seventh anniversary of the tragic incident.

Okwulehie, who lost his wife to the crash of Flight 992 in Lagos, said the near mishap which occurred last week which almost claimed the life of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and 393 others was evidence that a lot still needs to be done.

He said, “The whole Nigerian airspace is still very vulnerable. Many of the problems are economic, regulatory and technical. For example, when aviation prices keep fluctuating and even the airlines have complained that they are not making money. This kind of pressure undermines safety and encourages them to cut corners which are already happening.

“All the parameters are there for another mishap. The risks are very high. Aeroplanes are not being maintained as they ought to be. Many pilots are not being sent for continuous training in a profession which needs constant re-training.

“Also, is the issue of sharp practices. A Boeing 737 will require aviation fuel worth N500,000 for a flight from Lagos to Abuja and back and this is besides other expenses. If there are not enough passengers, the airlines will not break even and then begin to reduce costs that should be meant for safety in order to cover their losses.”