The Nigeria Labour Congress is grappling with profound sorrow following the tragic Eastwind Aviation helicopter crash on October 24, 2024.
In a heartfelt statement issued Saturday, NLC National President Joe Ajaero expressed grief over the accident that claimed the lives of eight Nigerian workers who were on duty.
These workers were en route from Port Harcourt to FPSO NUIM ANTAN, an offshore oil facility near Calabar, when the helicopter met a tragic end.
In his statement, Ajaero paid tribute to the lives lost, highlighting the dedication of these workers who, in his words, “ventured forth in service to our nation” only to meet “fate’s cruel blow.”
Their tragic deaths, he noted, are a reminder of the everyday sacrifices that Nigerian workers make to build a nation that prioritizes the well-being of all its citizens.
Ajaero’s message underscored the hazards faced by Nigerian workers, especially in high-risk sectors such as offshore oil and gas.
He emphasized the need for more robust measures to ensure the health and safety of workers, urging the government and occupational safety authorities to enhance protections in both workplaces and travel routes.
“No worker should face death or injury as a consequence of simply doing their job,” he stated, calling for stronger safeguards to protect lives.
The NLC statement went on to address broader concerns around safety regulations, particularly within high-risk industries.
Ajaero criticized what he described as lax enforcement of safety standards and called for stringent compliance measures and comprehensive safeguards to protect workers operating in hazardous environments.
He stressed that safety cannot be achieved without concerted efforts from employers and regulators to uphold safety standards.
While acknowledging that the incident has been labeled an “accident,” Ajaero remarked that it points to a critical need for improved flight equipment, effective communication systems, and robust search-and-rescue capabilities.
“We urgently call on the relevant agencies in aviation and oil and gas to enact rigorous frameworks that prioritize workers’ safety and prevent further tragedies,” he added.
The NLC is demanding a thorough investigation from the Federal Government and relevant agencies to identify the root causes of the crash.
Ajaero emphasized that only through a comprehensive inquiry can lessons be learned to prevent similar tragedies in the future and enhance protections for Nigerian workers.
In a solemn closing, the NLC extended its condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.
The Congress particularly recognized the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, who lost valued members in the incident.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of those lost, especially our affiliates,” the statement read, expressing hope for comfort for those grieving this tragic loss.
With this tragedy casting a shadow over the nation, the NLC reaffirmed its commitment to championing workplace safety across all sectors.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress remains dedicated to promoting workplace safety across all sectors to prevent future tragedies and honour those we have lost,” the statement concluded.
