The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has convened a crucial stakeholders’ consultation meeting to deliberate on amendments to the Bureau Civil Aviation Regulations 2019. The primary focus of these amendments is to address the investigation of aircraft accidents, adapt to the evolution of new technologies and accommodate the changes in the aviation industry.
The director-general of the bureau, Engr. Akin Olateru disclosed that the proposed amendments aim to align the bureau’s regulations with the Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs) specified in the ICAO Annex 13.
Recalling an earlier event, Olateru pointed out that on October 26, 2021, the bureau had circulated an invitation to aviation stakeholders, urging them to provide their comments and contributions on the draft regulation. This step was taken in compliance with Regulation 44 of the Bureau’s Civil Aviation, 2019.
Furthermore, he emphasised the significance of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) establishment Act 2022, which facilitated the transition of the Accident Investigation Bureau Nigeria (AIB-N) into the NSIB, a multi-modal safety investigation agency.
“In light of this, we have incorporated new provisions into the previously circulated version of the Bureau’s draft regulation, which has been highlighted for your review,” Olateru explained.
Some of the notable inclusions in the draft amended regulation encompass the provision of Family Assistance to accident victims and their families, the establishment of a Safety Data Collection and Processing System (SDCPS), the appointment of a competent authority and the implementation of both Mandatory and Voluntary Reporting Systems.
“All of these aspects and more will be discussed thoroughly today as we collaborate to develop updated and standardised regulations for the bureau. The NSIB has consistently promoted aviation safety since its inception, achieved through meticulous accident investigations and the timely release of reports,” he stressed.
Olateru also pledged that the NSIB will remain committed to ensuring the continuous safety of air transport in Nigeria and will strive to uphold similar safety standards across other modes of transportation, thereby contributing to overall transportation safety in the country.
