The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the Government and people of India following the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad on Thursday.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said, “Nigeria stands in solidarity with India during this period of immense grief and unfortunate loss.” The government also confirmed that, according to initial reports, no Nigerian citizens were on board the ill-fated flight. However, the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi remains in contact with Indian authorities to verify the information and offer consular support if needed.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to global aviation safety, the statement called for a thorough investigation into the crash to prevent future tragedies.
The Air India flight, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London, crashed shortly after takeoff into a residential building in Ahmedabad, killing at least 265 people, including residents on the ground. One passenger is believed to have survived. Rescue operations continued into Friday morning, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi describing the disaster as “heartbreaking beyond words.”
