Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has called for a comprehensive investigation into the runway excursion involving an Enugu Air aircraft at Benin Airport, saying the incident underscores the urgent need to strengthen aviation safety in Nigeria.

Obi made the call in a statement shared on his official social media page on Friday while reacting to the incident, which occurred during the aircraft’s landing at the airport.

The former Anambra State governor expressed relief that all 68 passengers and crew members on board escaped unharmed, with no injuries or fatalities recorded.

“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,” he stated.

The former governor 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 lessons from the incident should be used to strengthen aviation safety and ensure Nigeria’s skies remained safe for all travellers. (The Sun News)