Enugu Air Will Cooperate With NSIB After Runway Excursion – Mbah

Enugu State governor Dr Peter Mbah has pledged full cooperation with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) following a runway excursion involving the state‑owned carrier, Enugu Air, at Benin Airport on Thursday.

In a statement personally signed and released to journalists on Friday, the governor described the incident as “deeply concerning” and expressed empathy for the 63 passengers and five crew members aboard Embraer E170 Flight 4264, which was operating from Lagos to Benin on July 23, 2026. He thanked God that no lives were lost and that there were no reported injuries.

“The Enugu State Government is aware of the incident of a runway excursion affecting Enugu Air, Embraer E170, Flight 4264, operating into Benin Airport from Lagos on Thursday, July 23, 2026,” the statement read. “We empathise with the passengers and crew over this traumatic experience and are grateful that the outcome has, so far, been free of casualties.”

Mbah commended the NSIB for its immediate response and the swift commencement of a formal investigation to establish the circumstances and factors that led to the excursion.

He assured the public that Enugu Air, as a government‑owned enterprise, will fully cooperate with investigators and regulatory authorities throughout the probe.

“For Enugu Air, safety remains non‑negotiable,” the governor said, stressing that the airline was built on a corporate culture that prioritises safety above profit and schedule.

He noted that the carrier’s quality assurance and control systems maintain safety thresholds “considerably higher than the industry benchmark,” a standard he credited for the growing confidence and patronage the airline has enjoyed since its launch.

While the NSIB investigation proceeds, Mbah reassured travellers and stakeholders that Enugu Air will continue to operate and maintain stringent safety and operational standards. “The government will ensure the full cooperation of its going concern, Enugu Air, with the investigation and regulatory authorities,” he added.

The governor also expressed gratitude to Nigerians who offered messages of support following the incident, saying the outpouring — and the many shared positive accounts of flying with Enugu Air since its inception a year ago — had been a source of comfort for the state government.

“We wish to express our profound gratitude to Nigerians for the outpouring of solidarity since the unfortunate incident,” Mbah said. “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.”

The NSIB has begun collecting evidence and witness statements. Authorities have not yet released findings or indicated a timeline for the investigation. Enugu State officials said they will make further updates available to the public as the probe progresses.