NSIB, Aero Contractors Forge Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Aviation Safety, Human Capital Development
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and Aero Contractors have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance aviation safety and human capital development in Nigeria.
The agreement, signed in Lagos in the presence of key industry stakeholders, marks a significant step towards strengthening collaboration in industry-led safety training, knowledge exchange, and technical expertise.
The MoU establishes a framework for structured training programmes, technical cooperation, and the sharing of resources between NSIB and Aero Contractors.
Under the terms of the agreement, NSIB’s Transportation Safety Officers and technical personnel will undergo specialised on-the-job training using Aero’s cutting-edge facilities, including flight simulators and maintenance workshops.
In exchange, Aero’s technical personnel will benefit from NSIB-led training in accident investigation and related disciplines, creating a dynamic exchange of expertise.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., Director-General of NSIB, described the MoU as a transformative step towards 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 programmes 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.
Capt. Badeh highlighted the reciprocal nature of the partnership, noting that NSIB would provide 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,” he added.
The MoU also paves the way for joint conferences, symposiums, and workshops aimed at sharing best practices and exploring emerging trends in the aviation industry.
Both NSIB and Aero Contractors are expected to deploy their respective facilities and staff, including pilots, engineers, dispatchers, and flight attendants, to build capacity and strengthen Nigeria’s ability to prevent accidents and respond effectively to incidents.
The partnership aligns with international standards, including the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) of Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention.
Mr. Ado Sanusi, Managing Director and CEO of Aero Contractors, underscored the importance of the partnership in reinforcing Nigeria’s aviation safety culture.
“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 said.
He further emphasised the value of on-the-job training (OJT) in fostering continuous learning and professional development. “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,” Sanusi added.
A Steering Committee comprising representatives from both NSIB and Aero Contractors will oversee the implementation of the MoU. The agreement includes provisions for periodic reviews and amendments to ensure it remains relevant in addressing the evolving challenges of aviation safety.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the partnership as a model for collaboration between regulatory bodies and industry players. Engr. Musa Adamu, Managing Director of Universal Aviation Group and an aviation safety advocate, described the initiative as a game-changer for Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“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,” Adamu said.
Both parties have also committed to maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality and professionalism throughout the partnership. Shared information will be used solely for safety investigation training, ensuring trust and integrity in the collaboration.
With this agreement, NSIB and Aero Contractors have reaffirmed their shared vision of a safer, more resilient aviation sector. The partnership is poised to elevate the standard of aviation safety training in Nigeria, reinforcing the country’s position as a leader in transportation safety excellence in the region.
