LAGOS – In its bid to further reinforces safety in the continent’s aviation industry, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has paid a strategic visit to Asky Airlines, the flag carrier of Togo. A statement yesterday by Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, said that Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., the Director-General, NSIB, during the visit to the airline’s office in Lome, Togo, harped on collaboration among the major players in the sector, including Asky and other carriers. Mr. Esayas Woldemariam Hailu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Asky Airlines was on hand to receive Badeh Jr. and his team to the airline’s office. According to the statement, the high-level engagement marked a significant step in fostering regional cooperation and mutual alignment on aviation safety, investigative transparency, and technical training. The statement hinted that discussions between the two organisations, centred on the importance of harmonising safety practices, establishing a framework for operational support, and collaborating on safety investigation procedures in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)-recommended standards. In his comment, Badeh Jr. underscored the regional responsibility of the NSIB and the importance of engaging with airline stakeholders to proactively enhance safety outcomes. He said: “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. “We believe that together, through shared knowledge and operational integrity, we can ensure the skies remain safe for all.” Badeh declared that the NSIB was moving away from a system where aviation rules were written in reaction to tragedy. He expressed that the agency’s focus was on building a framework grounded in science, data, and technology to stay ahead of threats. He insisted that this shift enables the NSIB to detect risks before they escalated into incidents, spot trends before they become statistics, and prevent tomorrow’s accidents today. “This approach requires open collaboration with key stakeholders, grounded in trust and knowledge exchange, he added. In his response, Hailu affirmed Asky Airlines’ commitment to advancing a culture of safety through strategic partnerships. He also expressed delight with the visit of NSIB’s team to Asky Airlines, maintaining that its priority was to always meet and exceed safety standards. “Collaboration with investigative authorities like the NSIB helps us remain responsive, transparent, and fully aligned with international best practices,” he added. The two organisations expressed optimism about the opportunities for ongoing collaboration, including the exchange of investigative insights, capacity-building initiatives, and the establishment of shared safety training programs aimed at elevating the regional aviation framework.