Aero Contractors Airline and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration for industry-led safety training, knowledge exchange, and human capital development to further strengthen safety in the industry.
This development, according to both parties, will reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to upholding global aviation safety standards.
The agreement, signed at the airline’s office at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, before key industry stakeholders, will establish a framework for structured training programmes, technical collaborations, and the sharing of resources between NSIB and Aero Contractors.
The MoU also paves the way for joint conferences, symposiums, and workshops to share best practices, explore emerging trends in aviation, and build capacity across both workforces by deploying their respective facilities and staff, including pilots, engineers, dispatchers, and flight attendants.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors, Capt Ado Sanusi, stated that the importance of such partnership can not be overemphasized in the industry, adding that it was geared toward achieving safety, which he described as a cornerstone of the industry.
He said, “Safety is not just a regulatory requirement; it is the cornerstone of our industry. With over 60 years of experience in the aviation sector, Aero Contractors has cultivated a deep-rooted safety culture, and we firmly believe that Safety is everyone’s business. This MoU underscores our commitment to investing in the future of safe Nigerian airspace by sharing our expertise, experience, and technical knowledge with NSIB.”
Sanusi further highlighted the role of on-the-job training in fostering continuous learning and professional development for NSIB personnel.
“Through this partnership, we aim to equip NSIB’s Transportation 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.
“This partnership is a model for how regulatory bodies and industry players should collaborate to enhance Safety. The aviation sector is highly complex, and training must evolve to keep pace with technological advancements and global best practices. NSIB and Aero Contractors are setting a precedent that should be emulated across other quarters of the transportation industry.”
The Director-General of the NSIB, Capt Alex Badeh, said the partnership will see NSIB’s Transportation Safety Officers and technical personnel undergo specialised on-the-job training using the Aero Contractor’s state-of-the-art facilities, including simulators and maintenance workshops. The airline’s technical personnel will also benefit from NSIB-led training in accident investigation and related disciplines, creating an exchange of expertise.
He said, “Today’s MoU is more than just a document; it is a commitment to mutual growth and safety enhancement. Through this agreement, we will work together to design and deliver customised on-the-job training programs for our 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,” he said.