Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) Nigeria has signed an Executive Technical Cooperation Programme geared towards fostering mutual cooperation with the Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la Sécurité de l’Aviation Civile (BEA) France, in Paris, France.
The Programme aims at fostering mutual cooperation between both countries in respect of air accident investigation and capacity building and borders on high level cooperation between both state investigators.
The ETCP Agreement will foster cooperation in the conduct of aircraft accident and incident investigation, investigation training and sharing of information and expertise, consistent with Annex 13; as well as assist each other in the use of air safety investigation, manpower, facilities, recorders, management organization, Aviation Security and Safety.
Other areas of mutual benefits will include exchange of specialist and any other request incidental to fostering the cooperation at the time of the request to the other party as deemed appropriate and as resources may permit; while ensuring confidentiality, both parties will share information and Air Safety investigator; assign responsibilities.
The Commissioner/CEO of AIB Engr. Akin Olateru, noted that the pact is aimed at strengthening the relationship with its counterpart in France; with intentions of benefiting from its wealth of experience, expertise, and technical know-how in aviation accident investigation.
Impressed by the quality of work coming out of AIB Nigeria, relative to aviation accident investigation: and the effectiveness of its service delivery exemplified by its role in undertaking air accident investigation for Republic of Sao Tome and Principe in 2018, and the several others within Nigeria, France through BEA, came up with the ETCP to assist and support AIB through capacity building, information sharing and knowledge transfer.
The BEA Director Remi Jouty, commended the strategic direction and performance of AIB-N particularly in the last two years. In his remarks, Jouty expressed joy at the sealing of the pact and commended the commissioner for establishing a solid structure for the bureau.
The AIB CEO reiterated that AIB Nigeria is building a world-class institution and brand and has thus positioned itself to become a force to reckon with in Africa in the area of accident investigation and capacity building adding that Nigeria had the needed resources to assist other African countries.
“It is in the light of the foregoing, that the aviation accident investigation counterpart agencies of countries including Saudi Arabia, South Africa and two other African countries have expressed intention to sign MoU with AIB-Nigeria for its assistance and cooperation” he said.
