ACCIDENT Investigation Bureau (AIB) has enumerated the importance of cooperation among critical aviation decision makers in the promotion of safety in Nigeria calling for a delineation of roles in aviation emergency to avoid duplication and undue overlap
This was part of its 15-point resolution in a communiqué issued at the end of a one-day Nigerian Aviation Workforce Symposium (NAWS) held on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at the NAF Conference Centre & Suites, Abuja. Read also: Nil corporate governance, high maintenance; others: reasons for Nigerian airlines failure
The conference with theme: “Establishing a Roadmap to Implementing a Harmonized Aviation Safety Management in Nigeria†brought together 113 participants and key stakeholders to document the roadmap and promote the necessary synergy amongst stakeholders
The communiqué also highlighted the importance and constant review and audit of Aerodrome Emergency Plan (AEP)/ Emergency Response Plan (ERP) as well as the training and education that follows the development of these.
Communique read,“The development of Aerodrome Emergency Plan (AEP) which must be accompanied with education/training/sensitization of the various stakeholders on their responsibilities in implementing this plan. This sensitization must be regular to keep stakeholders up-to-date.
“There should also be automation of the entire Aerodrome Emergency Plan (AEP) for effective communication, rapid and quick response in case of emergencyâ€. The communiqué also stressed that the AEP/ERP should consider people with disabilities and unaccompanied minors.
“There should be regular audit by NCAA of Aerodrome Emergency Plan (AEP)/ Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and equipment. There should periodic emergency drills to ensure these procedures and equipment are continually operable and functional.
The communiqué stressed that there should be regular public awareness provided in collaboration with the local government and communities around the vicinity of airport on their roles in an emergency response.
“Crowd control at the accident site pose serious threat to rescue and therefore deliberate efforts must be put in place to manage it, including educating Nigerians minds away from the criminal attitude letting them know that it is a national tragedy which calls for sympathy and utmost assistance to the search and rescue team in the effort to rescue victims.â€
The communiqué further harped that,†Airlines, Service Providers should establish a culture of voluntary/ confidential reporting system in their organization. They should model their organizations after a generative type having a ‘just’ culture, which promotes self-reporting by personnel. They should avoid being a pathological organization, which would invariably discourage reporting.
“Every agency has a role to play in aviation emergency. Each role must be delineated to avoid duplication and undue overlap. The need for training, therefore, cannot be over emphasized. As such, each agency should assess courses and detail its personnel to undertake such courses. Ultimately, this would also promote harmonious working relationship between agencies.â€