Mohammed Shosanya
The Nigeria Labour Congress,NLC has asked the Federal Government to probe the EastWind Aviation helicopter crash which occurred in Port Harcourt on Thursday
All the eight passengers on the flight have been confirmed dead by the police.
In a statement on Saturday,President of the labour union,Comrade Joe Ajaero, maintained that only through a comprehensive inquiry can Nigerians uncover the lessons necessary to prevent such tragedies in the future and ensure that Nigerian workers are better protected.
He also emphasized the need for relevant agencies in aviation and oil and gas to enact rigorous frameworks that prioritize workers’ safety and prevent further tragedies.
He added:”While this tragic loss was labeled an “accident,” it underscores the critical need for reliable flight equipment, effective communication, and robust search-and-rescue capabilities”.
Lamenting the loss to the Nigerian workforce,Ajearo maintained that it underlines the perilous conditions our workers often face.
It speaks to the urgent and absolute necessity of prioritizing workers’ health and safety—ensuring that Nigerian workers, in any sector, do not risk their lives each day to contribute to national progress,he said,adding that no worker should face death or injury as a consequence of simply doing their job.
He said:”We implore the Government and all authorities tasked with Occupational Safety and Health to redouble their efforts to guarantee that workplaces—and all avenues to and from work—are made as safe as possible.
“This tragedy also heightens our concerns about the lax enforcement of safety standards, especially in high-risk sectors such as the offshore oil and gas industry, where the stakes are exceptionally high. Only with stringent compliance measures, comprehensive safeguards, and a commitment from employers and regulators alike can we truly protect the lives of those who operate in such complex and dangerous environments”
He condoled the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), who have lost valued members in the accident.
He reaffirmed NLC’s commitment to advocating for enhanced workplace safety and health across all sectors.
