The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) have expressed readiness to deepen collaboration, through the establishment of a Joint Family Assistance Working Group to drive implementation of a comprehensive Aviation Disaster Victims’ Family Assistance Programme.
This was just as they agreed to constitute a dedicated task force that will clearly define institutional roles, responsibilities and coordination mechanisms.
This commitment was made when the NSIB Family Assistance team, led by the Director, Consumer Protection & Public Affairs, Mrs. Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, paid a working visit to the NCAA Headquarters in Abuja recently.
The strategic visit was to review their respective responsibilities, harmonise operational procedures and align implementation strategies in accordance with international standards and recommended practices.
Welcoming the team, the Director, Consumer Protection & Public Affairs, Mr Michael Achimugu, described the engagement as another significant step towards institutionalising a seamless National Family Assistance Programme.
Mr Achimugu, however, expressed confidence that the meeting would provide the framework required to advance implementation of the programme.
Other areas discussed that require closer cooperation were harmonization of policies and regulatory frameworks, strengthening information-sharing protocols, expanding training and capacity-building initiatives, industry-wide stakeholders’ engagements, among others.
Responding on behalf of the Bureau, Mrs. Adebayo-Arowojobe, thanked the NCAA for hosting the meeting and acknowledged the Authority’s continued support towards enhancing aviation safety in Nigeria.
