Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), a body responsible for investigation of accidents in Nigeria has disclosed plans to expand investigations from just air accidents to multi-modal, which include rail, road and maritime related accidents.
The bureau, which awaits the approval of its bill in the senate, says the bill will approve its investigation into various modes of transportation and enhance its investment in research and development.
Speaking during AIB symposium on aviation safety in conjunction with National Transportation Safety Board, (NTSB) at the weekend, Akin Olateru, AIB commissioner assured that before the end of the year, the AIB bill will be signed, which will make AIB, one of the few organisations worldwide operating the multi-modal system.
According to Olateru, very soon, some of its staff will commence training on investigations of road, rail and maritime accidents, adding that the bureau will expand its scope of earnings to accommodate more equipment and manpower to support its proposed operations.
The commissioner said the bureau has done a lot in human capacity development through trainings and retraining of its staff and to achieve this, it has approached several global institutions, one of which is the NTSB.
He said the United States government through NTSB and Safe Skies for Africa programme has continued to support AIB in human capacity development, adding that through this support, the bureau has been able to attract several countries such as South Africa, Saudi Arabia and Gabon to commence plans to sign Memorandum of Understanding, (MOU) with AIB.
“We have signed MOU with France, Republic of Benin and Sao Tome and in the next one month, we will be signing an agreement with Saudi Arabia. Before a country will want to sign MOU with you, they must have seen there is something different about you. Infrastructure and equipment, human capital, systems processes and procedures are elements we have built on to attract these partnerships.
“In terms of equipment worldwide, AIB is rated amongst the top 10 in the world. In just two and half years, AIB has released 58% of the total number of accident reports released since 12 years the bureau commenced operations. Today, we are influencing safety. We have brought in African nations to join us in aviation safety programme in conjunction with Safe Skies for Africa and NTSB,” Olateru said.
The commissioner who expressed his regret that going forward, the US will no longer sponsor the Safe Skies for Africa programme, called on African countries to work together to strengthen the aviation section in Africa.
Nogie Meggison, president, Airline Operators of Nigeria, (AON) who also spoke at the event said commended the AIB for its achievements.
“I will like congratulate AIB for joining hands to make our skies better. These achievements will promote Nigeria positively outside the country,” Meggison added.
