Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called for a thorough investigation into the runway excursion involving an Enugu Air aircraft at Benin Airport, describing the incident as a reminder of the need to improve aviation safety standards in Nigeria.
In a statement posted on his official social media page on Friday, Obi reacted to the incident, which occurred when the aircraft veered off the runway while landing at the airport.
The former Anambra State governor expressed gratitude that all 68 passengers and crew members on board escaped without injuries or loss of life.
Obi who contested in the 2023 presidential election under the platform of the Labour Party, stressed the importance of a comprehensive probe to determine the cause of the incident and recommended measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future, noting that ensuring the safety of air travelers should remain a top priority.
“I received, with profound relief, the news of the runway excursion involving an Enugu Air aircraft during its landing at Benin Airport today,” Obi said.
He expressed gratitude that everyone on board the aircraft disembarked safely, stressing that the protection of human lives must remain the highest priority in the aviation sector.
Obi also commended the pilot, members of the flight crew and emergency response personnel at the Benin Airport for what he described as their swift and professional handling of the situation.
“I commend the pilot, the flight crew, and the airport emergency response teams at Benin Airport for their swift and professional handling of the situation, which averted what could have been a major tragedy,” Obi said.
He said the incident underscores the importance of strict compliance with aviation safety procedures, regular aircraft maintenance and sustained investment in airport infrastructure.
He urged the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, to carry out a comprehensive, transparent and timely investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
“I urge the relevant regulatory and investigative bodies particularly the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to conduct a thorough, transparent, and timely investigation into the root cause of this incident,” Obi added.
Obi said the incident should serve as a learning opportunity to reinforce aviation safety measures and enhance efforts to keep Nigeria’s airspace safe for all passengers and operators.
