In a significant development following the tragic crash that claimed the life of the co-founder and Group CEO of Access Banking Plc, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced a collaborative effort with the United States’ National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to investigate the incident.
According to a press statement released by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the collaboration was initiated after the Director of NSIB, Capt Alex Badeh, established contact with the NTSB. This step was taken given the involvement of individuals who were of interest within Nigeria.
The statement emphasized that such cooperation is rooted in Chapter 5 subsection 27 of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation – Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation. This provision grants countries with special interest access to accidents involving their citizens. Additionally, it allows these countries to:
a. Visit the accident scene. b. Have access to relevant information approved for public release by the conducting State. c. Receive updates on the investigation’s progress and obtain a copy of the Final Report.
The NSIB outlined the investigative process, indicating that the NTSB typically conducts its investigation in three phases. The preliminary investigation report is expected to be released within 14 to 21 days, while the final aviation accident report is slated for publication within two years. The entire investigation process is projected to span between 18 to 24 months.
This collaboration between the Nigerian and U.S. aviation safety agencies signifies a concerted effort to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. It underscores the commitment to uphold international standards of aviation safety and provide closure to the families and stakeholders affected by this tragic event.
As the investigation progresses, both the NSIB and NTSB will continue to work closely to gather evidence, analyze data, and uncover the underlying causes of the accident, contributing to enhanced aviation safety practices globally.
