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BENIN – Peter Obi has called for a thorough investigation into the runway excursion involving an Enugu Air aircraft at Benin Airport, describing the incident as a stark reminder of the need to strengthen aviation safety standards in Nigeria.
In a statement shared on his official social media page on Friday, the former Labour Party presidential candidate reacted to the incident, in which the aircraft veered off the runway while landing at the airport.
Obi expressed relief that all 68 passengers and crew members on board escaped without injury or loss of life.
The Anambra State former governor urged authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation to establish the cause of the incident and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences, emphasizing that the safety of air travelers must remain a national 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 to God 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.
The Anambra State former governor maintained that 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.
