The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), the predominant representative body for pilots in Nigeria, has urged the Federal Government to improve the emergency response and rescue infrastructure within the nation’s aviation sector. This call for enhancement comes in light of a tragic incident involving a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, which crashed near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean while en route to the NUIMANTAN oil rig. The helicopter, registered as 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, had eight individuals onboard during its ill-fated journey. Following the crash, search efforts led to the recovery of five bodies, while the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau continued its work to locate the remaining passenger.
In his address at a symposium themed “The Imperative of Unionisation in a Struggling Economy,” held in Abuja, NAAPE President Abednego Galadima emphasized the need for improved emergency response capabilities in the wake of this accident. He stated that while the association is not trying to interfere with the ongoing investigation, preliminary findings indicate that the infrastructure for rescue operations was inadequate. This situation underlines a crucial need for the government to ensure that infrastructure supporting emergency responses is of the highest standard to effectively handle such aviation disasters.
Galadima highlighted the significance of a thorough investigation to uncover the roots of the crash, urging the government to leave no stone unturned in understanding both the immediate and underlying causes behind the tragedy. He considered the crash a loss not only to the victims’ families but also to the aviation community, particularly as NAAPE mourned the passing of its Vice President and captain of the ill-fated aircraft, Captain Yakubu Dukas. This collective grief emphasizes the importance of learning from this incident to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Furthermore, Galadima called for NAAPE members’ involvement in the investigation process, paralleling practices in more advanced aviation markets where pilot and engineer representation is standard in inquiry panels. This inclusion would ensure that professionals directly affected by aviation events contribute to the investigation outcomes, which can lead to valuable insights and more effective safety measures. The request for representation comes at a time when the aviation industry in Nigeria faces challenges related to safety protocols and operational efficiency, issues that today’s symposium aimed to address.
Galadima’s remarks resonate with the themes of accountability and collaboration. He stressed that enhancing the safety infrastructure necessitates a partnership between aviation professionals and the government, working concurrently to innovate and implement policies that would mitigate future risks. The challenges facing Nigeria’s aviation sector reflect broader economic conditions, making the call for unionization even more pressing as a means to empower workers and improve industry standards.
In summary, this tragic helicopter accident serves as a wake-up call for the Nigerian government and aviation authorities, illustrating the urgent need for improved emergency preparedness and safety standards. The ongoing dialogue within NAAPE highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between industry professionals and regulatory bodies. By advocating for their involvement in investigation processes and urging significant upgrades to rescue infrastructure, NAAPE aims to foster better practices that will enhance the overall safety of Nigeria’s aviation sector, ultimately aiming to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
