By Chidi Ugwu
Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), recently underscored the critical role of collaboration in shaping the future of aviation in West Africa during his visit to Asky Airlines’ headquarters in Lomé, Togo.
Meeting with Asky CEO Esayas Woldemariam Hailu, the two leaders reinforced their commitment to enhancing regional aviation safety through cooperative efforts in investigative transparency, technical training, and harmonized safety practices.
The discussions focused on aligning operational support frameworks and investigation procedures with international standards, emphasizing a proactive approach to safety. Captain Badeh Jr. highlighted a strategic shift from reactive rule-making to a data-driven, technology-based framework designed to identify and mitigate risks before they escalate into accidents. He described the visit as a foundational step toward building a network of trust and accountability among West African aviation stakeholders.
Mr. Hailu welcomed the engagement, affirming Asky Airlines’ dedication to exceeding safety standards and fostering transparency through partnerships with investigative bodies like NSIB. Both leaders expressed optimism about future collaboration opportunities, including sharing investigative insights, joint capacity-building, and developing regional safety training programs.
This high-level meeting reflects a forward-looking vision to establish integrated safety systems and sustainable oversight, positioning West Africa as a safer and more reliable aviation hub in the global air travel landscape.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau is a multimodal transport agency tasked with conducting thorough and objective investigations into transport accidents in Nigeria, aiming to identify causes and recommend safety improvements.