Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has secured another office within a stone throw from its demolished head office at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos after over three years.
It will be recalled that the NSIB’s former head office was demolished by former Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.
The new office, though a rented apartment, gives room for proper coordination and concentration on the part of workers and present management of the bureau.
Speaking at the reopening of the NSIB office, the Director-General of the accident investigation bureau, Captain Alex Badeh Junior, described the development as a significant milestone.
He added that it was momentous coming after three years of hassles and distraction forced on its activities in Lagos in view of the demolition of the office.
According to Badeh Junior: “Today, we mark a significant milestone as we gather to re-open the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) Lagos office. This occasion is especially momentous after a challenging three-year period during which our operational capacity in Lagos was severely impacted. The unfortunate demolition of our previous office under the past administration left us without a physical presence in this critical location, hindering our ability to serve the transportation sector effectively.
“The re-opening of this Lagos office symbolises our resilience and steadfast commitment to transportation safety. It is a stepping stone towards a more secure and efficient transportation network for all Nigerians.
“During this hiatus, our dedicated team members were left without the means to carry out their vital work, resulting in a struggle for productivity and a gap in our service delivery.”
“I call upon stakeholders, our government and private sector partners and indeed all Nigerians, to join us in this noble pursuit. Let us move forward with renewed hope and determination to transform transportation safety from an aspiration into a tangible reality. Together, we will uphold the highest standards of safety and investigation, contributing to a safer, more prosperous Nigeria.”
Recalling how on assumption of as duty as the Director General of the NSIB in December 2023, he was met with many unfinished tasks at the bureau with low workers’ morale, he said: “Tthere were teeming requests and competing demands. As a non-revenue-generating agency, we have grappled with limited government funding and bureaucratic inefficiencies.
“Despite these challenges, I, together with the team at NSIB, approached our task with determination and a can-do attitude.
“I must express my deepest gratitude to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, whose unwavering commitment and tireless efforts has led us here today. “When I approached the Minister and presented this project to him, he promptly facilitated the necessary funding from the ministry’s operating budget, making the vision of this new office a reality. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in enhancing our capabilities and ensuring the safety and security of our skies.
“However, our journey is far from complete. We continue to face significant challenges in fulfilling our mandate, notably securing the necessary funding to support our operations.”
Badeh, however, lamented how the non-compliance with the NSIB Establishment Act of 2022 by the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Railway Commission (NRC) in remitting the statutorily required percentages of their revenue to NSIB has severely impacted the ability of his management to conduct comprehensive multi-modal accident investigations.
“The NSIB Establishment Act of 2022 stipulates that NIMASA should remit three percent of the gross freight from international cargo, while the NRC is required to contribute five percent of ticket sales and cargo charges. This financial shortfall not only limits our operational capabilities but also hinders our growth and effectiveness in safeguarding Nigerian lives.
“We implore the Federal Government to further support the critical role the NSIB plays in ensuring the safety and security of our nation’s transportation networks. The value of human life and the importance of public safety cannot be overstated.
“We earnestly appeal for increased financial support to enable us to effectively fulfil our mandate, conduct thorough investigations, enhance safety standards and contribute meaningfully to advancing transportation safety across Nigeria.”
He commended the minister for his exceptional leadership and advocacy for improved safety measures in the transportation industry, adding that his support has been invaluable, “and we remain hopeful that he will continue to support our cause in securing the necessary resources for the NSIB’s operations.”
Keyamo, who described the demolition of the former NSIB office as unnecessary was, however, led on the inspection tour of the new office by the Director-General of the bureau.
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