The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) have expressed readiness to deepen collaboration on family assistance for aviation disaster victims.
The two agencies plan to establish a Joint Family Assistance Working Group to drive implementation of a comprehensive Aviation Disaster Victims’ Family Assistance Programme. They also agreed to constitute a dedicated task force to clearly define institutional roles, responsibilities and coordination mechanisms.
The commitment was reached 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.
The strategic meeting focused on reviewing the respective responsibilities of both agencies and harmonising operational procedures. It also sought to align implementation strategies with international standards and recommended practices.
The planned Joint Family Assistance Working Group is expected to provide a structured platform for closer cooperation between the NCAA and NSIB. Therefore, the initiative could strengthen coordination and improve the support available to families affected by aviation accidents.
Family Assistance Working Group to Drive Coordination
Welcoming the NSIB 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. He stressed the importance of coordinated efforts between relevant institutions in achieving an effective family assistance system.
The agencies also discussed several areas requiring closer cooperation to strengthen the programme. These include harmonising policies and regulatory frameworks, strengthening information-sharing protocols, and expanding training and capacity-building initiatives.
In addition, the discussions covered industry-wide stakeholder engagement and other measures considered essential to building an effective national framework. The approach is expected to encourage greater coordination among aviation agencies and other stakeholders involved in supporting accident victims and their families.
A comprehensive family assistance programme is important in helping affected families navigate the difficult period following an aviation accident. It can provide a clearer structure for communication, information sharing and institutional support during emergencies.
Meanwhile, the proposed task force will help define the responsibilities of participating institutions. This is expected to reduce potential gaps or overlaps while creating clearer coordination mechanisms for responding to the needs of affected families.
Responding on behalf of the Bureau, Mrs Adebayo-Arowojobe thanked the NCAA for hosting the meeting. She also acknowledged the Authority’s continued support towards enhancing aviation safety in Nigeria.
The latest engagement signals a renewed commitment by both agencies to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation emergency response framework. By working together, the NCAA and NSIB aim to establish a more coordinated and effective system for assisting families affected by aviation disasters.
The proposed Joint Family Assistance Working Group could therefore become an important mechanism for advancing the National Family Assistance Programme. Its work is expected to support stronger institutional collaboration while aligning Nigeria’s approach with international standards and recommended practices.
