
The commissioner, Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) Akin Olateru, says accidents and incidents reports have been received by all stakeholders without any complaints.
He noted that there had not been any fault found either by engine manufacturer or aircraft based on the processes adopted by the management before releasing such to the public.
Mr, Olateru who stated this during during courtesy visit to AIB by the leadership of NAAPE, led by its President, Mr. Abednego Galadima, also attributed the success to the new approach adopted by the current management, which removed accident reports from the apron string of individuals to collective contribution.
Olateru observed that none of its reports had been faulted by any individual or organisation in recent time but instead what they get are commendations.
“The Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika recently told me that we should not rush our reports so that it can’t be faulted by anyone. So, I took the time to take him through the process to show him that our reports can’t be faulted. Our reports are not done individually again.
“Now, we have groups comprising of experienced and inexperienced investigators. No one personalises reports again. And after the groups have finished their work with the draft reports, we send them to stakeholders for their comments and observations. On getting feedbacks, we now do a general review, which involves virtually all the investigators, before it goes out for proof reading.”
The AIB boss charged members of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) to be more professional in the discharge of their duties.
He stressed if members of NAAPE aircraft engineers and pilots in various organisations displayed professionalism in the discharge of their duties, the Nigerian aviation industry would experience more growth while the sector would continue to remain safe for flight operations.
Olateru lauded NAAPE for showing pragmatic professionalism in dealing with managements of various organizations in the industry, saying that their attitude had brought stability to the sector and enjoined them to continue with this approach.
He said: “There is no organisation without workers and if there is no organisation, there will be no workers. Your association has demonstrated enough professionalism. It is not about money. For some unions, it is for the highest bidders, but you have been consistent with the truth.
“Without NAAPE, there is no aviation. NAAPE is the most important union in the industry. I am not however saying that other unions are not important. But, everything surrounds aircraft. If there is no aircraft, there is no aviation. NAAPE comes first in the industry. So, I will want you to also enjoin your member to be more professional in the discharge of their duties.”
In his remarks, Galadima commended Olateru for bringing stability to AIB within a short period of time.
He promised that the association would work closely with the management especially in the area of accident prevention and would also sensitise his members on non-hazard and violation according to Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

He added: “We want to see that the industry grows. We are here to see that aviation in Nigeria grows and gets a win-win for employees and employers in the industry. We recognise that AIB has paucity of funds, but despite this, the bureau has been paying the license fee to NAAPE members in the agency.
“I will also use this opportunity to call for the release of promotion letters to our members in your organisation as the year is running out. Also, I seek proper placement as it affects our members. We will support you, but as friends, we will also tell you the truth.”
Besides, Comrade Ocheme Abba, the General Secretary of NAAPE, said the meeting was necessary in order to forge a relationship between the two organisations.
He reiterated that one of NAAPE’s mandates was to ensure growth in the industry, which he said the association had carried out successfully over the years.