Various stakeholders in the avation industry have called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) to synergise their regulatory and investigation activities in a bid to enhance safety of the nation’s aviation sector.
The stakeholders gave this advice in Lagos last Thursday at the Quarterly Breakfast Meeting of the Aviation Round Table (ART) tagged “Advantages of Implementing AIB Recommendations”.
There have been brickbats between the two aviation agencies in the past that appeared to have pit them against each other. But industry stakeholders noted that it was inevitable that they work together if Nigeria would continue to maintain good safety record, which it has attained since the last five years.
Speaking at the event, the former Director General, NCAA, Harold Demuren, noted that the NCAA and the AIB both shared the same objective which is to curb accidents and boost aviation safety. However, he added that AIB does not have the authority to enforce recommendations but effective communication with NCAA was important.
Demuren, said NCAA must evaluate the safety recommendations issued by AIB, using risk-based approach with consideration of cost and time of implementation.
While also speaking, a former Commissioner, AIB, Mr Sam Oduselu, advised the NCAA to put adequate recommendations in place so as to enhance safety.
He noted that the swift implementation of safety recommendations was very important.
