Assessing the Role of Human Error in Aviation Accidents and Incidents in Nigeria: A Theoretical Perspective

Human error remains the dominant contributor to aviation accidents worldwide, accounting for an estimated 70–80% of incidents and Nigeria is no exception. This conceptual paper examines the role of human error in Nigerian aviation accidents and incidents by drawing on three theoretical perspectives: Human Factors Theory, the Swiss Cheese Model and Human Error Theory. It argues that errors should not be understood merely as the product of individual incompetence but as the outcome of systemic interactions among human, organizational and technological dimensions. The paper first categorizes human error into skill-based lapses, decision errors, perceptual errors and violations, situating these within the Nigerian context of strained regulatory capacity, resource constraints and fragile safety culture. It then identifies four key areas where human error manifests: communication breakdowns between flight crews and air traffic control, skill-based errors exacerbated by inadequate training and supervision, maintenance-related lapses linked to cost-cutting and weak oversight and human factors such as fatigue, time pressure and organizational stress. Using conceptual triangulation, the study demonstrates how each theoretical lens illuminates distinct, yet interconnected aspects of human error. The paper concludes that addressing aviation safety in Nigeria requires systemic reforms in training, engineering oversight and regulatory enforcement, alongside stronger organizational safety cultures. As a conceptual analysis, the study provides a foundation for empirical research and policy action to strengthen aviation safety and reduce error-related accidents.