The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mr. Olumuyiwa Enitan Abel, has expressed deep condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the gallant personnel of the Nigerian Air Force who lost their lives in a military aircraft crash in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The Federal Government has declared a three-day period of National Mourning, commencing Tuesday, 6 October 2026, in honour of the fallen personnel and in recognition of their service and supreme sacrifice to the nation.
The HCSF described the declaration as an opportunity for the nation to collectively mourn the departed personnel, honour their memory and demonstrate solidarity with their bereaved families, colleagues and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Mr. Abel called on Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Offices and all Federal Civil Servants to observe the period with the dignity, solemnity and respect befitting the occasion.
Accordingly, Federal Government offices and institutions are expected to fly the National Flag and other appropriate official flags at half-mast throughout the period of mourning, in line with established protocol. Non-essential ceremonial, celebratory and social activities may also be suspended or postponed in deference to the solemnity of the occasion.
The HCSF further emphasised that essential Government business and official engagements would continue as necessary, but should be conducted with due regard to the solemn nature of the National Mourning. Official communications, publicity materials and media engagements during the period are also expected to reflect the mood of the nation and appropriately acknowledge the service and sacrifice of the fallen personnel.
He urged all Civil Servants to conduct themselves with dignity, restraint and decorum throughout the mourning period, while standing in solidarity with the bereaved families and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The HCSF said the Federal Civil Service joins the entire nation in mourning the fallen Air Force personnel and paying tribute to their courage, dedication and supreme sacrifice in the service and defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Mrs. Eno Olotu, FCAI, mnipr
Director, Press and Public Relations
October 6 2026
