Mr Akin Olateru, the Commissioner of Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria (AIB-N), says the bureau will soon establish special centre for the staff of aviation industry to undergo accident investigation training.
Olateru made the affirmation on Wednesday, in Abuja when he received a team from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria in his office.
According to him, the curriculum for the training will advance the knowledge of the workforce of aviation industry in accident and incident investigations.
“ Building is almost 92 per cent complete in Abuja here. Training will commence tentatively by first quarters of this year. It is going to be a 5-day programmes. The curriculum consists fundamental courses in aviation.
“For now, AIB-N has engaged Cranfield University, UK, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of USA and Singapore Transportation Safety Board in developing the curriculum for the training,” he said.
Olateru expressed the readiness of AIB-N to partner with NCAT for the college to add its input in domesticating the developed curriculum and running the courses.
He urged the NCAT boss to get approval from the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, to allow every staff in the aviation industry from level 10 and above to undergo the training.
“ To be a good accident investigator, you need to have a good knowledge of accident investigation, “ he added.
Earlier, Capt. Alkali Modibbo, Rector of Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria said the purpose of the visit was to open up areas of common goals and benefits in the industry between the two organizations.
According to him, it is significant that a continuous synergy is maintained among associate agencies, considering global challenges facing aviation industry.
“ That requires tremendous innovation, dedication and qualities which AIB-N has recently exhibited.
“AIB-N fundamental objective of improving aviation safety by determining circumstances and causes of air accidents and incidents gives bureau a pivotal role in upholding image and ensuring confidence people have in our aviation industry.
“Your plan to improve infrastructure, acquire more equipment and strengthen human capacity are endeavors shared by the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) ,” he said.
Modibbo said the recent recovered land encroached upon by illegal occupants at Graceland Zaria, would afford the college to increase infrastructural development including runway capacity.
The rector further said that NCAT had been re-equipping facilities to ensure it remained forefront in aviation education in Africa and the world at large.
“We have acquired new training aircraft, flight simulators, firefighting simulator, radar equipment and other engineering tools for our flying, maintenance, telecommunication and air traffic schools.
“ We wish to congratulate AIB-N for the increase in final report releases on air accidents and serious incidents in addition to the continuous safety recommendations it has been circulating in the industry.
“Rest assured that we are not relenting in ensuring synergy between NCAT and AIB-N in the aviation industry,” he said.
