The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for a comprehensive investigation into the recent crash of an Eastwind Aviation helicopter into the Bonny River, which claimed the lives of eight people, including two crew members.
The tragic incident occurred on October 24, 2024, as the helicopter, departing from Port Harcourt Military Base, was en route to the FPSO NUIM ANTAN offshore Calabar.
In a statement by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the organization expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives.
“This heartbreaking loss of life underlines the perilous conditions our workers often face,” Ajaero said.
He highlighted the dangers Nigerian workers encounter daily, especially in high-risk sectors like the offshore oil and gas industry. Ajaero emphasized that no worker should have to risk death or injury simply by performing their job.
The NLC raised concerns about inadequate safety standards and called on relevant agencies to enforce rigorous safety measures in high-risk industries. “Only with stringent compliance measures, comprehensive safeguards, and a commitment from employers and regulators can we protect lives in such complex environments,” the NLC urged.
The Congress also stressed the need for reliable equipment, strong communication protocols, and enhanced search-and-rescue operations. It demanded that the federal government, through relevant agencies, investigate the root causes of the crash to prevent similar tragedies.
Expressing condolences to the families of the victims, including members of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), the NLC reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for worker safety across all sectors.
