By SUNTV Global Channel
ENUGU — Fresh concerns have emerged over the management of Enugu Air after budget implementation records reportedly showed that no funds were spent on aircraft maintenance despite the airline generating about ₦29.6 billion in revenue for the Enugu State Government between 2025 and the first quarter of 2026.
The development comes days after an Enugu Air aircraft veered off the runway at Benin Airport during landing, triggering an emergency response and raising renewed questions about aviation safety and aircraft maintenance.
According to budget documents reviewed by SaharaReporters, Enugu Air remitted approximately ₦18.1 billion in non-tax revenue to the Enugu State Government between its commencement of operations in July 2025 and the end of that year.
The documents reportedly showed that ₦18.067 billion was generated between October and December 2025 alone.
The airline generated another ₦11.5 billion between January and March 2026, bringing the reported total revenue to approximately ₦29.6 billion within its first nine months of operations.
However, despite the substantial revenue, the budget records reportedly showed no expenditure on aircraft maintenance during the period reviewed.
The 2025 Enugu State budget initially made no provision for aircraft maintenance. Although an allocation of ₦100 million was subsequently made, the implementation records reportedly indicated that none of the money was spent before the end of the fiscal year.
For 2026, the state budget reportedly earmarked ₦500 million for aircraft maintenance. Yet, between January and March 2026, the records showed no release or expenditure under the maintenance allocation.
Runway Excursion Raises Fresh Safety Questions
The revelations have emerged amid scrutiny of the July 23 incident involving an Enugu Air aircraft at Benin Airport.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) described the incident as a runway excursion, stating that the aircraft landed safely before leaving the runway amid adverse weather conditions.
All 63 passengers and five crew members were reportedly evacuated safely, with no injuries recorded.
However, aircraft records cited in reports indicated that the Embraer ERJ-170LR involved in the incident, registered 5N-ENR, suffered extensive structural damage.
The aircraft, which was approximately 17 years old, had previously operated with Egyptair Express and Egyptair before being stored in Cairo between 2020 and 2025. It was subsequently registered in Nigeria and deployed for Enugu Air operations.
Reports have described the aircraft as a “written-off” aircraft, meaning the damage is considered too extensive or economically impractical to repair.
Public Interest Over Aircraft Maintenance
The reported gap between the airline’s revenue and the absence of recorded maintenance expenditure is likely to intensify calls for greater transparency concerning the management of Enugu Air and the use of funds allocated to aviation-related activities.
Questions are also expected to focus on how aircraft maintenance and safety requirements were handled during the period under review.
SUNTV Global Channel understands that the budget figures and the circumstances surrounding the runway excursion are separate issues that require proper clarification from the relevant authorities.
The Enugu State Government, Enugu Air management and aviation regulators may need to provide further explanations regarding the maintenance arrangements for the airline’s fleet and the implementation of the appropriated funds.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
