“The future of aviation in West Africa depends on how well we collaborate today.” Demonstrating this commitment, Captain Alex Badeh Jr. Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), visited Mr. Esayas Woldemariam Hailu, Chief Executive Officer of Asky Airlines, in Lomé, Togo today. The high-level engagement marked a significant step in fostering regional cooperation and mutual alignment on aviation safety, investigative transparency, and technical training. The meeting, held at Asky Airlines’ headquarters, focused on strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria’s Transportation Accident Investigation Agency and West Africa’s leading carriers. Discussions centred on the importance of harmonising safety practices, establishing a framework for operational support, and collaborating on safety investigation procedures in accordance with ICAO recommended standards.
Captain Badeh Jr. underscored the regional responsibility of the NSIB and the importance of engaging with airline stakeholders to proactively enhance safety outcomes. “This visit goes beyond being a gesture of goodwill; it is a deliberate step towards building a network of trust, cooperation, and accountability in West African aviation. We believe that together, through shared knowledge and operational integrity, we can ensure the skies remain safe for all,” he stated. We are moving away from a system where aviation rules are written in response to tragedy. Our focus is on building a framework grounded in science, data, and technology to stay ahead of threats. This shift enables us to detect risks before they escalate into incidents, spot trends before they become statistics, and prevent tomorrow’s accidents today. This approach requires open collaboration with key stakeholders, grounded in trust and knowledge exchange, Captain Badeh Jr. said. Mr. Hailu welcomed the visit and affirmed Asky Airlines’ commitment to advancing a culture of safety through strategic partnerships. “We are honoured to host the Director General and his team. At Asky Airlines, our priority is to meet and exceed safety standards. Collaboration with investigative authorities like the NSIB helps us remain responsive, transparent, and fully aligned with international best practices,” he noted.
Both leaders expressed optimism about the opportunities for ongoing collaboration, including the exchange of investigative insights, capacity-building initiatives, and the establishment of shared safety training programs aimed at elevating the regional aviation framework.As global air travel abounds and West Africa continues to emerge as a critical aviation hub, this visit represents a forward-looking commitment to integrated safety systems, knowledge-sharing, and sustainable aviation oversight Mrs Bimbo Olawumi OladejiDirector, Public Affairs and Family Assistance,Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau
