The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) Nigeria has disclosed plans to release another 10 final reports early 2020. The move is part of efforts to clear the backlog of pending accident investigation reports and have attendant recommendations implemented to further enhanced safety in the industry.

It will be recalled that the bureau, since January 2017, has deepen efficiency leading to the release of 26 final reports, 93 recommendations and four safety bulletins to date. Comparatively, the output was far better than the bureau had done since it was established in 2007.

The Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the bureau, Akin Olateru, said some of the pending final reports had been on the shelf for too long.The concluded reports, therefore, cut across recent serious incidents like the Vice President’s helicopter crash in Kogi, and much older accidents of defunct Kabo and Chanchangi airlines.

“We also have a 737-200 case in 2008. We have concluded investigation on the accidents. Some of these reports have gone to stakeholders for the 60 days review, while others will be going for the stakeholders’ review,” Olateru said.On implementation of safety recommendations, Olateru said the AIB had achieved 85 percent implementation rate with the cooperation of both the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the airlines.

“Airline operators are wise; they know the effect of non-compliance with these safety recommendations. It’s a win-win situation for everyone, and the industry at large.“If you issue a safety recommendation, and it is not implemented, then the recommendation has not served its purpose. In truth, if recommendations are not implemented. then airlines and the public will suffer. But compliance means a win-win for all and the public are more confident flying,” he said.