“The future of aviation in West Africa depends on how well we collaborate today.” This was the resounding message as Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), paid a strategic visit to Mr. Esayas Woldemariam Hailu, Chief Executive Officer of ASKY Airlines, in Lomé, Togo.
Held at ASKY’s corporate headquarters, the high-level engagement marks a significant milestone in advancing regional cooperation on aviation safety, with a focus on investigative transparency, technical training, and harmonized safety practices across West Africa.
Captain Badeh Jr.’s visit emphasized the NSIB’s evolving regional role as Nigeria’s multimodal transport accident investigation authority. During the discussions, both parties explored opportunities to strengthen bilateral ties between Nigeria and Togo in the area of air safety, with particular attention to establishing frameworks for operational support and aligning investigative procedures with ICAO-recommended standards and practices.
“This visit goes beyond being a gesture of goodwill; it is a deliberate step towards building a network of trust, cooperation, and accountability in West African aviation,” said Captain Badeh Jr. “We believe that through shared knowledge and operational integrity, we can ensure the skies remain safe for all.”
He further emphasized that NSIB is driving a shift from reactive safety regulations to proactive risk management based on science, data, and technology. “We are moving away from a system where aviation rules are written in response to tragedy. Our focus is on building a framework that enables us to detect risks before they escalate, spot trends before they become statistics, and prevent tomorrow’s accidents today,” he said. “This new approach requires open collaboration with key stakeholders, built on trust and transparent knowledge exchange.”
Mr. Hailu welcomed the visit as a vital step in reinforcing ASKY Airlines’ long-standing commitment to safety. “We are honoured to host the Director General and his team. At ASKY Airlines, safety is our top priority. We are dedicated to meeting and exceeding international safety standards, and we view collaboration with investigative authorities like the NSIB as critical to ensuring transparency and continuous improvement,” he remarked.
The leaders agreed on several potential areas for sustained collaboration, including the exchange of investigative insights, joint capacity-building programs, and shared safety training initiatives. These efforts aim to elevate the region’s aviation oversight architecture and ensure that West Africa remains aligned with global best practices.
As West Africa continues to assert its role as a growing hub in global air travel, this visit represents a forward-looking commitment to integrated safety systems, sustainable oversight, and a united vision for safer skies across the continent.
