The Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria (AIB-N) has begun the provision of technical support for the setting up of the Sierra Leone Aircraft Accident Incident Investigation Bureau (SL-AAIIB).
the General Manager, Public Affairs of AIB, Mr Tunji Oketunbi, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday.
Oketunbi noted that this was the second time AIB-N would be assisting member countries in the sub region to establish their independent investigation agencies.
He said: “It is important to note that the bureau has offered similar support to Gambia in establishing its accident investigation agency.
“AIB-N which was now rated as a regional leader in aircraft accident investigation has also assisted Sao Tome and Principe to conduct investigation into an aircraft crash.
“The team led by Mr Adeniji Oni examined the Establishment of SL-AAIIB, Development of Legislation, Regulations, Manuals and Guidance Materials.
“The AIB-N team also reviewed the development of training policies and programmes for investigators (Initial, Simulators and Specialized). The team also reviewed how the SL-AAIIB should prepare for ICAO Audits and the implementation of Corrective Action Plan, following any gap identified.”
Oketunbi said the initiative was to assist the government of Sierra Leone in the set up and commencement of SL-AAIB was at the instance of the Commissioner AIB-N, Mr Akin Olateru and the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika.
Speaking on behalf of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) Director-General, the Director of Corporate Services, Alex Pratt, thanked Nigeria for the work done.
Pratt said SLCAA welcomes the recommendations made so far and promise they would be carefully followed and implemented.
The SL-AAIIB Commissioner, Mr Olubunmi Wellington thanked the Nigeria delegation for the technical support rendered in the establishment of the SL-AAIIB.
He said: “We promise to make good use of this opportunity and we will call on you at any time to play the Big-Brother role you have already started.”
Oketunbi said since 2017, under the administration Olateru, collaboration with countries had been paramount as aviation was considered one and does not discriminate on the basis of culture or ethnicity.
He said this was to ensure exchange of knowledge and use of facilities for ensuring a safe sky.
Oketunbi noted that so far, the bureau had partnered with Republic of Benin, Sao Tome who it had assisted in accident Investigation.
