Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has called for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into a recent runway excursion involving an Enugu Air aircraft at Benin Airport. In a statement released on his official social media platform on Friday, the former Anambra State governor described the occurrence as a critical reminder of the ongoing necessity to strengthen aviation safety standards across the country.
Obi expressed profound relief that all 68 passengers and crew members on board the aircraft disembarked safely without sustaining injuries or loss of life. He noted that protecting human lives must remain the highest operational priority within Nigeria's aviation sector and commended the flight crew, pilot, and airport emergency response teams at Benin Airport for their swift, professional intervention that prevented a potential disaster.
Highlighting the lessons to be drawn from the incident, Obi emphasized that the event underscores the vital importance of strict adherence to safety protocols, regular aircraft maintenance schedules, and continuous investment in airport infrastructure throughout the nation. He specifically urged the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau to conduct a thorough and timely inquiry to establish the precise root cause of the excursion. Obi concluded by noting that findings from the investigation should be applied toward bolstering safety measures and ensuring that Nigerian airspace remains secure for all travelers.
