Posted by Chinenye on Fri 24th Jul, 2026 - tori.ng
A recent aviation incident has triggered calls for a full investigation as concerns grow over safety standards in Nigeria’s airspace.
(Peter Obi. Photo by Arise News)
A comprehensive inquiry of the runway excursion involving an Enugu Air aircraft at the Benin Airport has been demanded by Peter Obi.
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), who has described the incident as a reminder of the need to improve aviation safety throughout Nigeria.
In response to the incident, which involved an Enugu Air aircraft during landing at the airport, Obi made the request in a message that was shared on his official social media page on Friday.
According to the former Anambra State governor, he was relieved to learn that all 68 passengers and crew members on board the aircraft escaped without injuries or loss of life.
Obi said he received, with profound relief, news of the runway excursion involving an Enugu Air aircraft during its landing at Benin Airport.
Expressing gratitude that everyone on board disembarked safely and stressing that the protection of human lives must remain the highest priority in the aviation sector.
He commended the pilot, flight crew and emergency response personnel at Benin Airport for what he described as their swift and professional handling of the situation, which he said helped avert what could have been a major tragedy.
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 called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to carry out a thorough, transparent and timely investigation to determine the root cause of the incident.
Obi added that lessons drawn from the incident should be used to strengthen aviation safety and ensure that Nigeria's skies remain safe for all travellers.