BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Sierra Leone Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau (SL-AAIIB) have formalised a major partnership aimed at strengthening aviation safety across West Africa through enhanced cooperation in investigations, data sharing, and capacity development.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed at the NSIB headquarters in Abuja, establishes a structured framework that will enable both agencies to collaborate on aircraft accident and incident investigations, exchange technical expertise, and support each other in building stronger safety systems within their respective jurisdictions.
At the heart of the agreement is a comprehensive cooperation model that allows for joint investigations, secondment of investigators, and the sharing of critical safety data and operational knowledge.
Both institutions will also collaborate on specialised training programmes, ensuring personnel are equipped with the latest investigative techniques and global best practices.
Director General of NSIB, Alex Badeh Jr, described the agreement as a significant milestone in regional aviation safety efforts, noting that collaboration remains key to improving investigative outcomes.
“This partnership reflects our collective commitment to maintaining high standards in aviation safety investigation across West Africa.
“It creates a clear pathway for deeper cooperation between Nigeria and Sierra Leone, strengthening the systems of both institutions. When investigators share knowledge, tools, and experience, response time improves, findings become more precise, and the focus remains on preventing future occurrences. That is what this partnership is designed to achieve,” he said.
The MoU also provides for cooperation in critical technical areas such as flight recorder analysis, access to investigative equipment, and participation in each other’s investigations as accredited representatives, in line with global aviation protocols.
Captain Badeh further noted that the agreement reinforces both organisations’ adherence to the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), particularly the Standards and Recommended Practices outlined in Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, which governs aircraft accident and incident investigations worldwide.
A central pillar of the partnership is human capacity development. Under the agreement, investigators from both countries will be exchanged for hands-on training, participation in live investigations, and exposure to advanced methodologies, enhancing their technical competence and operational readiness.
Beyond training, the MoU enables the deployment of expert teams—including flight recorder specialists and forensic personnel—to assist in investigations when required. Such support will be provided at no cost, with only logistics such as travel, accommodation, and subsistence covered by the requesting party.
Commissioner of SL-AAIIB, Olubunmi Wellington, said the agreement marks a major step forward in building more resilient investigative systems across the region.
“This partnership presents a strong opportunity for SL-AAIIB and the wider West African aviation community to build more effective investigative systems through structured collaboration.
“Through our engagement with NSIB, our investigators will gain access to advanced training, improved investigative methods, and the shared experience of a leading safety investigation authority in the region,” Wellington said.
Both agencies reiterated their commitment to the core principle of Annex 13—that the primary objective of accident investigations is to prevent future occurrences, rather than assign blame or determine liability.
The agreement also aligns with the broader objectives of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG), which promotes collaboration among member states in air safety and accident investigation.
With aviation activity on the rise across West Africa, the partnership is expected to enhance the region’s ability to respond swiftly to incidents, conduct thorough investigations, and implement safety recommendations that will ultimately improve air travel safety and operational reliability across the sub-region.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
