The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and Aero Contractors have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on safety training, knowledge exchange, and human capital development in the aviation sector.
The agreement, signed in Lagos on Monday, March 17, 2025, was attended by key industry stakeholders.
Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance of NSIB disclosed this in a statement made available to Thelensng, noting that the agreement establishes a framework for structured training programs, technical collaborations, and the sharing of resources between NSIB and Aero Contractors.
Oladeji pointed out that the partnership will reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to upholding global aviation safety standards.
“The partnership will see NSIB’s Transportation Safety Officers and technical personnel 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, creating a robust exchange of expertise,” the statement noted.
The Director-General of the Bureau, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., described the MoU as 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,” Capt. Badeh said.
He stressed the reciprocal nature of the partnership, stating 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,” the DG added.
The MoU also paves the way for joint conferences, symposiums, 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.’
On his part, the Managing Director/CEO of Aero Contractors, Mr. Ado 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.”
Sanusi highlighted the role of on-the-job training (OJT) 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 remarked.
A Steering Committee, comprising representatives from NSIB and Aero Contractors, will oversee the implementation of the MoU, while the agreement also outlines provisions for periodic reviews and amendments to ensure its continued relevance in addressing the dynamic challenges of aviation safety.
Similarly, the Managing Director of Universal Aviation Group, Engr. Musa Adamu lauded the development, stressing the need for the initiative.
“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,” Mr. Adamu stated.
The statement mentioned that both parties have also agreed to uphold the highest levels of confidentiality and professionalism throughout the partnership.
It explained that 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 flight, 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.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau is a multimodal transport agency charged with the mandate of promoting transport safety and conducting objective, comprehensive, and accurate investigations into transport accidents and incidents in Nigeria.
Its aim is to identify probable causes and advocate for safety improvements based on findings.
