The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has restated its readiness to carry out independent investigations across the aviation, rail, and maritime sectors but said this will require greater funding support and cooperation from sister agencies.
NSIB Director-General, Capt. Alex Badeh Jnr., made this known during a virtual media chat, where he stressed the importance of timely remittance of levies and improved collaboration to strengthen safety oversight across the country’s transportation system.
Badeh explained that the Bureau, which has now been legally empowered to probe accidents in all modes of transport in the country, is limited by financial and manpower constraints.
He noted that the agency would prefer to acquire its own equipment but is still working to raise the funds.
“We are planning to procure equipment but to get the money, we are working on it. We can’t depend on aviation alone,” he said.
The NSIB boss expressed concern over poor communication between agencies, particularly with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), which, he said, hampers information flow.
“We work for Nigeria, we should work together,” he said, while urging closer cooperation among agencies.
On manpower, Badeh disclosed that the Bureau is making arrangements to second staff from NIMASA and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), while also considering engaging retired personnel and training new recruits.
“It’s just very hard to get experienced people in maritime. We struggle to get the talents. It’s a work in progress. By September, we expect a couple of people to come on board,” he said.
“Funding remains a central challenge,” he admitted, pointing out that unlike global practice where accident investigation agencies have a dedicated budget, the NSIB has had to push for levies and cost recovery mechanisms.
“There should be no question because we are here to prevent accidents, and when they happen, we should be able to go out with full force to prevent recurrence. Therefore, I will be looking to go back to the government for more funding,” he said.
Badeh further explained that maritime accident investigations, previously handled by NIMASA due to the absence of an independent body, have now been officially ceded to the NSIB under its 2022 Establishment Act.
The development, he said, followed consultations with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
“Best practice globally is to have an independent body outside of the regulator carry out investigations. We didn’t just do this alone; we worked with the IMO. Once it is streamlined, NSIB’s new status as the sole investigator for maritime accidents will be reflected,” he said.
He added that the Bureau’s draft maritime regulations were prepared in consultation with IMO to align with international safety procedures.
With the new mandate, the NSIB said it is poised to play a pivotal role in safeguarding Nigeria’s transportation system, provided the right funding and inter-agency collaboration are in place.