By Tanimu Hassan, Abuja
The Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., stated that the future of aviation in West Africa relies on collaboration among the nations.
He made this remark while visiting the Chief Executive Officer of Asky Airlines, Mr. Esayas Hailu, in Lomé, Togo. The visit was contained in a press statement issued by Mrs Bimbo Oladeji
Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.
The high-level meeting represented a crucial advancement in promoting regional cooperation and aligning efforts on aviation safety, transparency in investigations, and technical training.
The meeting aimed to enhance the bilateral relationship between Nigeria’s Transportation Accident Investigation Bureau and the major airlines of West Africa.
The discussions focused on aligning safety practices, creating a framework for operational support, and collaborating on safety investigation procedures according to recommended standards.
Captain Badeh Jr. emphasized the regional responsibility of the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and highlighted the importance of engaging with airline stakeholders to proactively improve safety outcomes.
“This visit goes beyond being a gesture of goodwill; it is a deliberate step towards building a network of trust, cooperation, and accountability in West African aviation.
“We believe that together, through shared knowledge and operational integrity, we can ensure the skies remain safe for all,” he stated.
We are moving away from a system where aviation rules are written in response to tragedy. Our focus is on building a framework grounded in science, data, and technology to stay ahead of threats.
“This shift enables us to detect risks before they escalate into incidents, spot trends before they become statistics, and prevent tomorrow’s accidents today. This approach requires open collaboration with key stakeholders, grounded in trust and knowledge exchange,” Captain Badeh Jr. said.
Mr. Hailu welcomed the visit and affirmed Asky Airlines’ commitment to advancing a culture of safety through strategic partnerships. “We are honored to host the Director General and his team at Asky Airlines, our priority is to meet and exceed safety standards.
“Collaboration with investigative authorities like the NSIB helps us remain responsive, transparent, and fully aligned with international best practices,” he noted.
Both leaders expressed optimism about the opportunities for ongoing collaboration, including the exchange of investigative insights, capacity-building initiatives, and the establishment of shared safety training programs to elevate the regional aviation framework.
As global air travel abounds and West Africa continues to emerge as a critical aviation hub, this visit represents a forward-looking commitment to integrated safety systems, knowledge-sharing, and sustainable aviation oversight
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau is a multimodal transport agency charged with promoting transport safety and conducting objective, comprehensive, and accurate investigations into transport accidents and incidents in Nigeria.