The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and Aero Contractors on Monday entered into an agreement with Aero Contractors to strengthen collaboration in safety training, knowledge exchange and human capital development.
The spokesperson for NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji who announced this in a release said the deal establishes a framework for structured training programmes, technical collaborations, and the sharing of resources between NSIB and Aero Contractors.
According to the agreement signed by the director-general of NSIB, Capt Alex Badeh Jr and the managing director of Aero Contractors, Capt Ado Sanusi, the bureau’s transportation safety officers and technical personnel will undergo specialised on-the-job training using Aero’s state-of-the-art facilities, including simulators and maintenance workshops.
In return, Aero’s technical personnel will benefit from NSIB-led training in accident investigation and related disciplines, thus creating exchange of expertise.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Lagos, Badeh Jr said the MoU is a transformative step toward mutual growth and safety enhancement.
“Today’s MoU is more than just a document; it is a commitment to mutual growth and safety enhancement. Through this agreement, we will work together to design and deliver customised on-the-job training programs for our transportation safety officers and other staff. This initiative will equip our personnel with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to excel in their duties, drawing on Aero’s state-of-the-art facilities, simulators, and technical resources,” he said.
The director general also emphasised the reciprocal nature of the partnership, noting that NSIB will support Aero’s technical personnel with training in accident investigation and related areas.
“This two-way exchange of expertise will benefit both organisations and contribute to the overall safety of Nigeria’s airspace,” he added.
Badeh also explained that MoU also paves the way for joint conferences, symposia and workshops to share best practices, explore emerging trends in aviation and build capacity across both workforces by deploying their respective facilities and staff, including pilots, engineers, dispatchers, and flight attendants.
“NSIB and Aero Contractors aim to strengthen their ability to prevent accidents, respond effectively to incidents, and uphold the highest safety standards in line with international benchmarks, such as the Standards and Recommended Practices of Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention,” the bureau said.
For his part, Sanusi, emphasised the importance of the partnership, saying: “Safety is not just a regulatory requirement; it is the cornerstone of our industry.
“With over 60 years of experience in the aviation sector, Aero Contractors has cultivated a deep-rooted safety culture, and we firmly believe that Safety is everyone’s business.
“This MoU underscores our commitment to investing in the future of a safe Nigerian airspace by sharing our expertise, experience, and technical knowledge with NSIB,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of on-the-job training in fostering continuous learning and professional development for NSIB personnel.
“Through this partnership, we aim to equip NSIB’s Transportation Safety Officers with the practical skills and knowledge needed to excel in their duties, leveraging Aero’s state-of-the-art facilities, simulators, and technical resources,” he added.
Applauding the initiative, the managing director of Universal Aviation Group, Mr Musa Adamu said: “This partnership is a model for how regulatory bodies and industry players should collaborate to enhance Safety.
“The aviation sector is highly complex, and training must evolve to keep pace with technological advancements and global best practices.
“NSIB and Aero Contractors are setting a precedent that should be emulated across other quarters of the transportation industry.”
The statement said a steering committee, comprising representatives from NSIB and Aero Contractors, will oversee the implementation of the MoU.
The agreement also outlines provisions for periodic reviews and amendments to ensure its continued relevance in addressing the dynamic challenges of aviation safety.
Both parties agreed to uphold the highest levels of confidentiality and professionalism throughout the partnership.
“Shared information will be used solely for safety investigation training, ensuring trust and integrity in the collaboration.
“With this agreement, NSIB and Aero Contractors reaffirm their shared vision of a safer, more resilient aviation sector.
As the partnership takes effect, it promises to elevate the standard of aviation safety training, ensuring that Nigeria remains at the forefront of transportation safety excellence in the region,” the statement added.
