Nigerian investigators invited to probe aircraft crash in Sao Tomé

The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has been invited by São Tomé and Principe to probe the crash of an aircraft in the West African island.

The invitation came through the Banjul accord group accident investigation agency (BAGAIA), an arm of the international civil aviation organisation.

In a statement issued on Thursday by Tunji Oketunbi, AIB head of public affairs, the bureau said the development is a “first of its kind” in its history.

It said the invitation follows the “rising performance profile” of the bureau and its role as a leader in accident investigation across the sub-Saharan region.

The bureau further said Nigeria is the only country with an autonomous and functioning aviation accident investigation agency in West Africa as well as the “most endowed in terms of facilities”.

The statement quoted Akin Olateru, commissioner and chief executive officer of AIB, as saying the agency is only living up to its billing as a pacesetter in the sub region.

“Without gainsaying, this opportunity to serve will further build AIB’s capacity as it provides a platform for practical learning, develops and enhances the skills set and knowledge base of our accident investigators,” he said.

“We are very mindful of BAGAIA’s expectation of us, and that from individual African countries alike; we cannot afford to let them down.

“We are deploying enormous resources into training and infrastructural development for AIB to be, and maintain its lead to fulfill its core mandate not only for Nigeria, but also for the sub region and the global aviation community.”