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Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Olumuyiwa Abel, has directed Federal Government offices and institutions to observe the three-day national mourning declared in honour of Nigerian Air Force personnel killed in a military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
Abel, in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Eno Olotu, urged Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Offices and federal civil servants to observe the mourning period with dignity, solemnity and restraint.
The Federal Government declared three days of national mourning beginning Tuesday, 6 October 2026, following the death of the Air Force personnel in the crash.
As part of the observance, the HCSF directed that the National Flag and other appropriate official flags be flown at half-mast across Federal Government offices and institutions throughout the mourning period, in line with established protocol.
He also said non-essential ceremonial, celebratory and social activities could be suspended or postponed in deference to the solemnity of the occasion.
Abel expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased personnel, describing their deaths as a loss to the nation and paying tribute to their courage, dedication and supreme sacrifice in the service and defence of Nigeria.
He said the national mourning provided an opportunity for Nigerians to collectively honour the fallen personnel and demonstrate solidarity with their bereaved families, colleagues and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
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The HCSF, however, clarified that essential government business and official engagements would continue where necessary, but should be conducted with due regard to the solemn nature of the mourning period.
He further directed that official communications, publicity materials and media engagements during the period should reflect the mood of the nation and appropriately acknowledge the service and sacrifice of the fallen personnel.
Abel urged civil servants to conduct themselves with dignity, restraint and decorum throughout the mourning period, while standing in solidarity with the bereaved families and the Armed Forces.
He said the Federal Civil Service joined the entire nation in mourning the fallen Air Force personnel and honouring their memory.
The personnel died following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. The national mourning period commenced on Tuesday, 6 October, and will run for three days.
