Nigeria Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB-N, has said it has commenced the provision of technical support for the setting up of the Sierra Leone Aircraft Accident Incident Investigation Bureau (SL-AAIIB).
According to the General Manager, Public Affairs, AIB, Mr Tunji Oketunbi, the assistance is marked by the conclusion of a recent two-day fact-finding mission to the Sierra Leone Aircraft Accident Incident Investigation Bureau (SL-AAIIB) by the Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria (AIB-N).
This is the second time AIB-N will be assisting member countries in the sub region to establish their independent
investigation agencies. It offered similar support to Gambia in establishing its accident investigation agency.
“The agency, which is 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); and how the SL-AAIIB should prepare for ICAO Audits and the implementation of Corrective Action Plan, following any gap identified”, Oketunbi said.
He also revealed that the initiative to assist the government of Sierra Leone in the set up and commencement of SL-AAIB was at the instance of the Commissioner of AIB-N, Engr Akin Olateru and the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.
Speaking on behalf of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) Director-General, the Director of Corporate Services, Alex Pratt, stated: “Let me, on behalf of the Director-General, thank you very much for the work done in this brief period. The SLCAA welcomes the recommendations made so far, and promise they would be carefully followed and implemented,” he said.
Also speaking at the occasion, The SL-AAIIB Commissioner, Mr Olubunmi
Wellington thanked the Nigeria delegation for the technical support rendered in the establishment of the SL-AAIIB. “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”.
So far, the Agency has partnered with Republic of Benin, Sao Tome (who it has assisted in accident Investigation), Saudi Arabia, NTSB US, Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la sécurité de l’aviation civile (BEA- France) France AIB, AAIB UK and an effective member of BAGAIA.
