Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for a comprehensive investigation into the runway excursion involving an Enugu Air aircraft at Benin Airport and urged aviation authorities to establish the cause of the incident despite the safe evacuation of all 68 passengers and crew.
In a statement issued on Friday, Obi said the incident should not be dismissed simply because it ended without casualties. He insisted that every aviation occurrence must be thoroughly examined to prevent a recurrence and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s air transport system.
The former Anambra State governor welcomed reports that everyone aboard the aircraft escaped unharmed, and that the outcome is a moment of gratitude rather than celebration.
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Obi said, “I received, with profound relief, the news of the runway excursion involving an Enugu Air aircraft during its landing at Benin Airport today.”
He added that the safe evacuation of all passengers and crew underscored the importance of efficient emergency preparedness within the aviation sector.
The incident occurred when an Enugu Air aircraft veered off the runway after landing at Benin Airport. Despite the fact that there no records of injuries or fatalities, the occurrence immediately drew attention because runway excursions are among the most closely monitored safety events in global aviation due to their potential to result in catastrophic accidents.
Obi praised the pilot, cabin crew, and emergency responders at the airport for their calm and professional response that prevented the situation from escalating.
He said the handling of the emergency was indicative of the value of continuous training and effective coordination among aviation personnel.
Beyond commending those involved in the rescue effort, Obi urged the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to launch a transparent, thorough, and timely investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to him, determining the immediate and underlying causes of the runway excursion is critical to improving aviation safety standards and preventing similar occurrences in future.
He argued that incidents of this nature should serve as opportunities for institutional learning rather than routine news events that fade without accountability.
Obi also stressed the need for sustained investment in aviation infrastructure, strict compliance with safety regulations, and regular maintenance of aircraft and airport facilities.
He then warned that the country’s aviation safety record should never be taken for granted. He noted that maintaining public confidence requires regulators and operators to respond decisively whenever operational incidents occur.
He stated, “Learning from occurrences such as this is essential to strengthening public confidence in our aviation sector and ensuring that our skies remain consistently safe.”
Nigeria’s aviation industry has recorded improvements in safety oversight over the years, but runway excursions continue to attract close scrutiny because investigators often examine multiple factors, including weather conditions, runway surface, aircraft performance, airport infrastructure, and operational procedures before determining probable causes.
While the cause of the Benin Airport incident has yet to be established, Obi maintained that preserving the country’s safety record depends not only on preventing accidents but also on ensuring every incident is independently investigated and lessons are implemented across the industry.
He concluded by praying for the continued safety of air travellers across the country.
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