Nigeria and Sierra Leone have formalised a critical action to improve aviation safety as the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Sierra Leone Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau (SL-AAIB).
This followed a signed by the two countries bilateral agreement to strengthen aircraft accident investigations and the sharing of critical safety information.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday 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 NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh, said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to strengthening investigative capacity and improving safety across the region.
He noted: “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.”
Badeh added that the agreement reinforced 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.
Commissioner of the Sierra Leone Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau, Olubunmi Wellington described the agreement as a significant step toward strengthening investigative systems across the region.
He noted: “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.”