A Cape Verdean delegation headed by the Chirman of the Board of Directors of the Institute for the Prevention and Investigation of Aeronautical and Maritime Accidents, IPIAAM, Eng. Mário Margarito Gomes, participated, from August 14 to 15, in the aviation safety symposium, an event held in the City Lagos, Nigeria. During this trip to Lagos, the Chairman of IPIAAM, was accompanied by the Executive Member, Eng. Jorge Rodrigues.

Organized by the United States Department of Transportation under the Safe Skies for Africa (SSFA) program, this Symposium was held in close partnership with Nigeria's Accident Investigation Authorities, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States of America.

 The event was attended by representatives from several countries on the African continent, with emphasis on the representation of some of the Member States of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA), namely Cabo Verde, Ghana, Guinea Conakry and the host Nigeria.

 The complexity of aviation accident investigation processes and procedures, with a focus on issuing safety recommendations to prevent occurrences, requires States, but especially investigators, to pay special attention to compliance with ICAO standards and recommended practices.

 The Symposium was marked by the sharing of knowledge and experiences among the participants, led and moderated by renowned NTSB researchers and technicians, namely in accident investigation processes and procedures, assistance to Accident victims and Safety Advocacy. The Symposium was conducted by internationally recognized investigators, namely former NTSB Operational Director, Denis Jones, with 40 years of experience, NTSB Victim Assistance Services Coordinator, Stephanie R. Matonek and NTSB Safety Advocacy Chief of Staff Nicholas S. Worrell.