FG to introduce stricter rules to airline operations in Nigeria

The Nigerian government through the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced that it is amending the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations, 2019, to improve safety in the aviation industry.

Director-General, NSIB, Mr. Akin Olateru, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja, during a stakeholders’ consultation forum on the amendment of the regulations.

This comes after some airlines recently had their operations suspended following an investigation by journalists into their usage of jet fuel and pilot overwork.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said the amendments would help to ensure that the Bureau’s Regulations align with the Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs), as contained in the ICAO Annex 1.

Mr. Olateru added that this would also address the challenges in aircraft accident investigation, the evolution of new technologies, and changes in the industry.

The air transport regulator added that changes included the transition to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) in the Establishment Act of 2022.

Others, he said, were the competent authority, mandatory reporting system and voluntary reporting system, adding: “The transition of the Accident Investigation Bureau Nigeria (AIB-N) to the NSIB, a multi-modal safety investigation agency, was made possible by the provisions of the Act. “

He also noted that some of the new provisions in the draft amended regulations include the provision of family assistance to accident victims and their families, and safety data collection and processing system.

“All these and more will be discussed as we continue to consult to ensure updated and standardized regulations for the Bureau.

“This has been at the forefront of aviation safety promotion since its establishment, through the conduct of thorough accident investigation and timely release of reports,” he said.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) recently suspended the operations of all Boeing B737 aircraft belonging to Max Air, a domestic carrier.