NSIB, Aero Contractors Sign MoU to Boost Aviation Safety, Others

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aero Contractors aimed at enhancing transportation safety within the aviation sector across Nigeria.

The MoU is also aimed at ensuring safer skies, better-trained professionals as well as stronger aviation ecosystem in Nigeria.

Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., the Director-General of NSIB signed the MoU on behalf of the bureau, while Capt. Ado Sanusi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aero Contractors represented the airline at the signing ceremony.

Badeh said at the signing ceremony in Lagos that the collaboration was a testament to the power of synergy—combining the regulatory and investigative prowess of NSIB with the practical, hands-on expertise of Aero.

Director-General of NSIB highlighted that the MoU was more than just a document; rather a commitment to mutual growth and safety enhancement.

He stressed that both organisations would work together to design and deliver customised on-the-job training programmes for 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.

“In return, NSIB will support Aero’s technical personnel with training in accident investigation and related areas, creating a two-way exchange of expertise that benefits us both,” Badeh said.

According to him, the partnership would open doors to joint conferences, seminars, and symposiums, where both parties could share best practices, explore new training needs, and build capacity across their workforces.

He affirmed that by deploying its respective facilities and staff – pilots, engineers, dispatchers, flight attendants and more, NSIB would strengthen its ability to prevent accidents, respond effectively to incidents, and uphold the highest safety standards in line with international benchmarks, such as the Standards and Recommended Practices of Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention.

He emphasized on the confidentiality and professionalism that buttressed the collaboration, noting that both parties had agreed to protect shared information and use it solely for safety investigation training, ensuring trust and integrity throughout our partnership.

“Financially, this MoU is structured with clarity and fairness. The Cost Reimbursement Program and Service Fee Mechanism ensure that Aero’s contributions—whether through training, technical support, or facility access—are adequately compensated, with costs reviewed regularly to maintain efficiency and quality. This transparency will sustain our partnership for the long term,” he stressed.

Badeh also lauded Aero Contractors’ management and staff for their willingness to partner with NSIB, while also applauding the dedication of his staff towards the fruition of the collaboration.

On his part, Capt. Ado Sanusi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aero Contractors, highlighted the importance of the partnership, adding that it was not just a safety regulatory requirement, but a cornerstone of the aviation industry.

He acknowledged that with over 60 years of experience in the aviation sector, Aero Contractors had cultivated a deep-rooted safety culture, and firmly believed that safety was everyone’s business.

Sanusi emphasized on the role of On- the-Job Training (OJT) in fostering continuous learning and professional development for NSIB personnel.

“Through this partnership, we aim to equip NSIB’s 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 NSIB and Aero Contractors, would oversee the implementation of the MoU, while the agreement also outlines provisions for periodic reviews and amendments to ensure its continued relevance in addressing the dynamic challenges of aviation safety.

An industry stakeholder and aviation safety advocate, Engr. Musa Adamu, Managing Director of Universal Aviation Group, commended the initiative, stressing that the partnership was a model for how regulatory bodies and industry players should collaborate to enhance Safety.