NSIB, SL-AAIIB Formalize MOU On Aircraft Accident Investigation, Data Sharing, Capacity Building
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau and the Sierra Leone Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau (SL-AAIIB) have reached an agreement to expand cooperation in data sharing, joint investigations, and structured training aimed at improving aviation safety outcomes.
The agreement was signed at the NSIB headquarters in Abuja and witnessed by members of the management teams of both institutions.
At the core of the MoU is a structured framework for collaboration, enabling both organisations to conduct joint investigations, exchange expertise, and support each other in improving aviation safety outcomes across their jurisdictions. Under its provisions, the parties will engage in training programmes, secondment of investigators, and the sharing of safety data and technical knowledge. The partnership also extends to flight recorder analysis, access to investigative equipment, and participation in each other’s investigations as accredited representatives, in line with international aviation standards.
Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening investigative capacity and improving safety across the region.
“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.”
Capt. Badeh added that the agreement reinforces both organisations’ commitment to upholding the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) contained in Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.
A key component of the partnership is its focus on human capacity development. The MoU provides for the exchange of investigators to attend specialised training programmes and observe live investigations, giving personnel from both bureaus the opportunity to strengthen their technical competence and deepen their understanding of investigative procedures.
Beyond training, the agreement also provides for the deployment of expert teams, including flight recorder specialists and forensic resource personnel, to support investigations conducted by either party. Such assistance will be provided at no charge, with the requesting party responsible for travel, transport, subsistence, and accommodation costs.
Commissioner of the Sierra Leone Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau, Engr. Olubunmi Wellington, described the agreement as a significant step toward strengthening 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.”
Both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to the principle set out in Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention that the primary objective of aircraft accident and incident investigation is the prevention of future occurrences, not the apportionment of blame or determination of liability.
The MoU also reflects the shared commitment of Accident Investigation Authorities within the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) to support one another in air accident investigation activities. As members of this regional body, both NSIB and SL-AAIIB continue to strengthen cooperation aimed at improving aviation safety across West Africa.
This partnership comes at a time when aviation activity across West Africa continues to grow, placing greater demand on safety systems and investigative capacity. By combining resources and expertise, both agencies are better positioned to respond to aircraft accidents and serious incidents, conduct thorough investigations, and implement safety recommendations that contribute to safer skies across the region.
