Cmmissioner of SL-AAIIB, Olubunmi Wellington (R) at the signing of the MoU at NSIB Headquarters, Abuja
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Sierra Leone Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau (SL-AAIIB) have formalised a far-reaching partnership aimed at strengthening aircraft accident investigations, data sharing, and capacity development across West Africa.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed at the NSIB headquarters in Abuja, establishes a structured framework for collaboration between the two safety bodies, with a focus on enhancing investigative efficiency and improving aviation safety outcomes.
Under the agreement, both organisations will undertake joint investigations, exchange technical expertise, and support each other in handling air accident and incident cases within their jurisdictions. The partnership also covers specialised training programmes, secondment of investigators, and the sharing of critical safety data and operational knowledge.
A key feature of the MoU is cooperation in flight recorder analysis, access to investigative tools and equipment, and participation in each other’s investigations as accredited representatives, in line with global aviation standards.
Director-General of NSIB, Alex Badeh Jr, described the agreement as a strategic step toward reinforcing aviation safety systems in the region.
“This partnership reflects our collective commitment to maintaining high standards in aviation safety investigation across West Africa. It provides a clear pathway for deeper cooperation between Nigeria and Sierra Leone, strengthening institutional capacity on both sides”, he said.
He noted that the collaboration aligns with the Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, particularly Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention, which governs aircraft accident and incident investigations globally.
Human capacity development forms a central pillar of the agreement, with provisions for exchange programmes that will allow investigators to participate in specialised training and observe live investigations, thereby enhancing technical competence and operational experience.
The MoU also allows for the deployment of expert teams, including flight recorder specialists and forensic personnel to support investigations when required. While such technical assistance will be provided at no cost, the requesting party will bear logistics expenses.
On his part, Commissioner of SL-AAIIB, Olubunmi Wellington, described the pact as a major boost for aviation safety collaboration in the sub-region.
According to him, the agreement will enable Sierra Leonean investigators to benefit from advanced training, improved methodologies, and shared expertise from one of the region’s leading safety investigation authorities.
Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to the core principle of Annex 13—that the primary objective of accident investigation is to prevent future occurrences, rather than assign blame or liability.
The partnership also reflects the broader cooperation framework among member states of the Banjul Accord Group, which promotes mutual support in air accident investigations across West Africa.
With aviation activity on the rise in the region, the two agencies said the collaboration will enhance their ability to respond swiftly to incidents, conduct thorough investigations, and implement safety recommendations that will ultimately strengthen air travel safety across West Africa.