By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
As parts of efforts at promoting the safety of the Nigerian air space, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) geared toward inter-agency collaboration.
The signing ceremony took place at the NSIB headquarters in Abuja, with the Director-General of NSIB, Engr. Akin Olateru and the Managing Director/CEO of NAMA, Engr. Odunowo Tayib Mohammed putting their signatures on the agreement.
Though the MoU is not legally binding, both agencies agreed to perform their respective functions in a manner consistent with the values and principles of the MoU which has the ultimate purpose of promoting air safety across the country.
The main objective of the agreement is to strengthen the existing relationship between NSIB and NAMA, particularly in the exchange of information and data sharing during aviation incidents.
In addition, it also considers issues relating to flexibility in all transactions with the mutual agreement of both agencies and upholding the values of cooperation, honesty, mutual respect, openness and professionalism.
These collaborative efforts aim to enhance the quality and timeliness of investigations into air accidents, in accordance with the guidelines set out in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 13 and 19 of the 1994 Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.
The NSIB had previously entered into similar MoU with various agencies and institutions, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), to foster collaboration during emergencies.
According to Olateru, “Collaboration remains at the core of our efforts to ensure safety in the aviation industry. We are committed to promoting safety and achieving a zero-accident rate.
“However, we recognise that achieving this goal requires working together with agencies and institutions that share similar objectives,” he noted.
He praised NAMA’s management for its responsiveness in signing the agreement, highlighting the importance of collective efforts to enhance air safety and reduce to the barest minimum air incidents across the country which will ultimately restore the confidence of investors and travellers in the aviation industry in Nigeria.