A high-level delegation from the Liberia Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) recently participated in a strategic working meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, West Africa’s largest economy, as part of a concerted regional effort to enhance aviation safety and strengthen cooperation on accident investigation.
The Liberian delegation, led by senior officials from the AAIB, joined their Nigerian counterparts from the Accident Investigation Bureau Nigeria (AIB-N) to discuss shared challenges, review recent aviation incidents, and evaluate best practices in air safety management. The meeting marks a significant step toward greater regional collaboration in mitigating aviation risks and developing cohesive policies aimed at preventing aircraft accidents across West Africa.
The working session, held over two days, focused on a range of critical issues facing aviation safety in the region. These included recurring trends in air accidents, limitations in investigative resources, gaps in training, and the need for a harmonized regulatory framework. Both parties emphasized the importance of knowledge exchange, technological investment, and the cultivation of a proactive safety culture throughout the West African aviation sector.
Speaking during the meeting, the head of the Liberian AAIB delegation highlighted the bureau’s commitment to learning and collaboration, stating, “This engagement with our Nigerian colleagues reflects our shared priority to not only investigate aviation accidents thoroughly but also to identify root causes and implement preventive strategies that will ensure safer skies for all of West Africa. Our partnership today lays the foundation for long-term cooperation and capacity building.”
The Nigerian side, represented by AIB-N Commissioner Engr. Akin Olateru, welcomed the Liberian delegation and reiterated the bureau’s commitment to supporting its regional partners. “Accident investigation is a collective responsibility that transcends borders. By working together, we not only strengthen our individual agencies but also contribute to the stability and safety of aviation throughout ECOWAS,” Olateru noted.
The discussions also addressed the potential for joint training programs, shared access to laboratory and data analysis facilities, and coordinated responses to cross-border aviation incidents. The two agencies explored formalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to institutionalize their collaboration, which would include mechanisms for technical assistance, information sharing, and joint investigative operations.
Participants from both delegations conducted in-depth case reviews of past accidents within the region, using these as learning opportunities to improve methodologies, enhance response times, and reduce investigative blind spots. The exercise underscored the need for timely data exchange and harmonized safety protocols, especially in cases involving international or regional carriers.
This meeting follows recent efforts by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) to encourage member states in West Africa to strengthen their accident investigation capabilities and cooperate more closely. Liberia’s participation is seen as a step in the right direction toward achieving compliance with ICAO’s standards and recommended practices (SARPs) under Annex 13.
Experts note that while aviation in West Africa has experienced steady growth, safety remains a concern due to aging infrastructure, limited technical capacity, and inadequate enforcement of safety regulations in some states. Regional collaboration is viewed as a critical path forward for overcoming these barriers and promoting a resilient aviation environment.
In concluding the meeting, both delegations reaffirmed their mutual commitment to continuous improvement and the protection of public confidence in air travel. Plans were laid for a follow-up session to be hosted in Monrovia, where practical workshops and scenario-based training exercises will further deepen technical expertise and operational readiness.
The visit also featured a tour of Nigeria’s state-of-the-art accident investigation laboratories and training centers, offering the Liberian team valuable insight into advanced investigative tools and procedural frameworks that could be adapted for implementation at home.
As the aviation sector continues to evolve and new challenges emerge, the collaboration between Liberia’s AAIB and Nigeria’s AIB-N symbolizes a broader movement toward integrated safety systems and regional solidarity. For passengers and operators alike, the efforts signal a shared dedication to safeguarding the future of flight across West Africa.