AIB adds Sierra Leone on list of beneficiaries

The Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria (AIB-N) has extended technical support to the government of Sierra Leone to enable it to set up the country’s Aircraft Accident Incident Investigation Bureau otherwise called SL-AAIIB.

High point of the mission culminated with a two-day fact-finding mission to the Sierra Leone Aircraft Accident Incident Investigation Bureau by officials of the Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria (AIB-N) led by Mr Adeniji.

Nigerian aviation minister, Senator Hadi Sirika and the Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of AIB, Engr Akin Olateru had been at the forefront to assist the West African nation in setting up an efficient air accident investigation body.

Gambia had earlier enjoyed a similar gesture from the Nigerian agency rated as a regional leader in aircraft accident investigation, while it also offered assistance to Sao Tome and Principe to conduct investigations into aircraft crashes.

The Adeniji Oni team examined the Establishment of SL-AAIIB, Development of Legislation, Regulations, Manuals and Guidance Materials.

A reviewed the development of training policies and programmes for investigators (Initial, Simulators and Specialized); and how the SL-AAIIB should prepare for ICAO Audits and the implementation of Corrective Action Plan, following any gap identified.

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) Director-General, the Director of Corporate Services, Alex Pratt, stated: “Let me, on behalf of the Director-General, thank you very much for the work done in this brief period. The SLCAA welcomes the recommendations made so far, and promises they would be carefully followed and implemented,”