Delay in analysis of probable causes of air accidents in the country has compelled the Federal Government to want to establish an investigation laboratory in the country.

Reports of crashes in Nigeria take as much as four to five years to be released due to absence of a laboratory, as investigations are conducted in such countries as Britain and the United States of America.

Aviation Minister, Mr. Babatunde Omotoba, who disclosed this at an International Air Safety Conference organised by the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) in Lagos yesterday, said since the essence of accident investigation was to avert a recurrence, the delay in releasing reports of accidents due to lack of facilities makes nonsense of the essence.

According to him, that informed the reason the Federal Government wants to establish an accident investigation laboratory in Nigeria.

Speaking against the backdrop of release of accident reports in countries where such a laboratory exists in so short a time as six months, the minister said funds for the project had already been provided for in 2010 budget.