Nigeria has signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia on accident investigation to promote air safety.

The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB)-Nigeria commissioner, Akin Olateru, said the signing of the MoU indicated that the bureau had attained international recognition for its effectiveness and efficiency in conducting investigations on aircraft accidents across the globe.

“There is one aviation in the world, and the role of the game in today’s world is cooperation. There is no country that is an island. We need to work together as a team to enhance safety,” stated Mr Olateru. “In the area of human capital development, Saudi Arabia is going to help us. In one of those areas, we can exchange ideas. This is all about improving safety.”

According to him, the MoU will create an opportunity for a training exchange programme in which both parties will discuss further.

Abdulelah Felimban, the director-general of the Aviation Investigation Bureau (AIB) in Saudi Arabia, said the MoU would strengthen cooperation between the two countries in safety and security.

“Our business is the investigation of aircraft accidents and incidents with the intention of promoting safety and prevention of recurrent accidents. We came to meet our counterpart in Nigeria AIB, Nigeria, to open the channel for cooperation, sharing of experiences, and benefiting from the capabilities that each of us has,” Mr Felimban said.

(NAN)