The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) will audit Nigeria’s air transport industry in August. The audit ensures Nigeria adheres to international safety standards and recommended practices.
ICAO conducts regular audits of the aviation safety and aviation security oversight capacities of its 193 member states. These audits, known as the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), evaluate the effective implementation of critical elements of the safety oversight system.
They also comprehensively review a state’s compliance with international conventions, national regulations, ICAO Standard and Recommended Practises (SARPs), procedures, and aviation safety best practises.
Nigeria, known for its excellent safety record in flight operations, will undergo the audit despite being one of the safest countries regarding air safety worldwide. Since 2016, Nigeria has experienced only three fatalities resulting from aircraft accidents in civil aviation, all helicopter accidents.
Moreover, there have been no major accidents involving scheduled flights since 2014, earning commendations for the previous Buhari administration.
Collaboration between the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), now known as the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has played a significant role in enhancing air safety in Nigeria.
Implementing NSIB’s recommendations by NCAA, particularly under the leadership of Director General Captain Musa Nuhu and NSIB Director General Akin Olateru, has contributed to Nigeria’s improvement in air safety.
As a result of these concerted efforts, Nigeria is projected to have the safest airspace in Africa in terms of significant incidents and accidents in civil aviation. It ranks ahead of Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa.
Last year, Director General Akin Olateru expressed the NSIB’s readiness to maintain its comprehensive accident investigation coverage within the aviation industry.
He also mentioned plans to expand NSIB’s activities to include accident investigations in the maritime and rail sectors. Olateru highlighted that the Bureau achieved 82 per cent safety record implementation, attributing this success to stakeholder collaboration.
Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, the NSIB spokesperson, emphasised that Nigeria is well-prepared for the upcoming ICAO audit. He mentioned significant improvements in safety recommendations and highlighted the mechanisms in place to monitor their implementation.
Oketunbi acknowledged past delays in accident reports released by the former AIB due to various factors, such as funding constraints and personnel challenges. However, he praised the current administration’s resourcefulness and the subsequent progress made in accident investigations.
Regarding the multi-modal accident investigation involving air, rail, and maritime transportation, Oketunbi stated that the NSIB has enough trained personnel. If additional expertise is required, the Bureau will source experienced individuals from the rail and marine sectors.
He also noted that many technical personnel within the Bureau possess the necessary skills to investigate accidents in all three modes of transportation, as they received comprehensive training abroad.
Oketunbi added that the NSIB has assisted other African countries with accident investigations. Through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), the Bureau provides personnel and support to countries that require assistance.
The NSIB has existing agreements with the Benin Republic and Sao Tome and Principe, and they are currently signing deals with more nations.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s aviation industry is confident about its ICAO audit preparations. The collaborative efforts between the NSIB and NCAA have significantly contributed to the country’s improved air safety record. With its experienced personnel and commitment to enhancing accident investigation capabilities, the NSIB is not only focused on Nigeria but also aims to support other African nations in air transport accident investigations.
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