..Says Industry Committed To Zero Accident Despite Recent Accident
The Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer of Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), Nigeria, Engr. Akin Olateru has described safety as the backbone of aviation and that without it the industry would be meaningless.
This is just as he stated that the industry was committed to achieving zero accident and not ruffled despite the recent accident in the industry
He said this in a speech he delivered at the Regional Enlightenment Symposium in Enugu yesterday.
Olateru said that the fundamental objective of the Bureau is to improve aviation safety by determining the circumstances and causes of air accidents as well as proffering recommended solutions and engaging in activities that promote aviation safety in Nigeria.
Speaking further, Olateru, who was represented by the General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr Tunji Oketunbi, said, “Safety is the backbone of aviation and without it aviation loses its meaning. This is why every organ or unit in the industry works tirelessly to ensure the safety of air travelers. Until recently, the Nigerian aviation industry had no fatality for about five years
“I would like to assure air travelers that the aviation industry is not daunted in its commitment to achieve zero accident in the industry. The AIB, on its part will not relent in its vigorous pursuit of adding values that will up the ante of safety in Nigeria and Africa.”
Oketunbi informed that the Bureau’s core functions are to investigate air accidents and serious incidents that occur within Nigerian air space and anywhere Nigeria’s interests are affected.
The General Manager said that AIB apart from investigating accident and serious incidents makes safety recommendations, gathers and analyzes air safety data for accident and incident prevention purposes and monitor implementations of safety recommendations by carrying out accident prevention monitoring programmes.
According to him, “Our duty, as accident investigators of civil aviation, is one thing, but understanding one’s needs is very critical to the success of any institution. The Bureau, under the current administration is focused on engendering relationships, which would facilitate excellence and enduring world-class standards in the investigation and prevention of air accidents in Nigeria.”
On collaboration, he said that it is about creating a working relationship, adding that, “For anybody to want to collaborate with you, first of all, you need to be in a position to add value. What we have done at AIB, is that we have raised the profile of the Bureau and built that trust within the industry that we are unbiased. That we are professionals, focused and that we are clear on our mandate.”
