Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has expressed sympathy for the 63 passengers and five crew members of Enugu Air who experienced a runway excursion at Benin Airport on Thursday. The governor, in his first public statement on the incident on Friday, stressed that the safety of passengers remains non-negotiable for the state-owned airline.
Incident Details and Safe Evacuation
Premium Times earlier reported that an Enugu Air Embraer E170, operating Flight 4264 from Lagos, veered off the runway after landing at Benin Airport. The airline, owned by the Enugu State Government, confirmed that all 63 passengers and five crew members disembarked safely, with no injuries or fatalities recorded. The quick evacuation and absence of casualties have been widely commended.
Mbah: Safety Non-Negotiable
In his statement, Mr Mbah empathised with those on board, stating: “The government empathizes with the 63 passengers and five crew members on board the aircraft over the traumatic experience and is thankful to God that no life was lost and no injuries have so far been reported.” He reiterated that safety is the cornerstone of Enugu Air's operations, asserting that the airline was founded on a corporate culture that places safety above profit and schedule.
Investigation and Cooperation with NSIB
Mr Mbah praised the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) for their swift response in launching an investigation to determine the circumstances and factors that may have led to the incident. “The government will ensure the full cooperation of its going concern, Enugu Air, with the investigation and regulatory authorities,” he said. The governor assured the public that while the investigation is ongoing, the airline will adhere to the highest safety standards.
Government Assurance on Safety Standards
The governor stressed that Enugu Air's quality assurance and quality control systems stipulate a safety threshold considerably higher than the industry benchmark. “This accounts for the growing confidence and patronage the airline has continued to enjoy from both passengers and industry stakeholders. Enugu Air will therefore continue to serve its teeming customers and abide by its utmost commitment to safety, professionalism, and a sense of hospitality,” he stated.
Gratitude to Nigerians
Mr Mbah also thanked Nigerians for their support following the incident, noting that many have continued to share positive experiences with the airline since it was launched a year ago. “We wish to express our profound gratitude to Nigerians for the outpouring of solidarity since the unfortunate incident. Quite uncommonly, Nigerians have continued to share their positive experiences with Enugu Air since it was launched a year ago. This matters so much to us as a government at this time,” he added. The governor’s statement underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring that Enugu Air remains a safe and reliable carrier for the public.
