The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has strongly opposed the proposed amendment to transfer the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) from its current supervisory ministry to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
The Ministry insists that such a move could undermine the Bureau’s effectiveness and contravene international standards.
Speaking at a one-day public hearing on the Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) Act No. 35 of 2022, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, expressed the Ministry’s official position.
The event was organized by the House of Representatives Joint Committees on Aviation and Special Duties.
Dr. Kana, who represented the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), emphasized that while NSIB’s mandate covers multiple transport sectors — including aviation, maritime, rail, and road — its technical and institutional roots are deeply grounded in aviation.
He noted that the Bureau was originally established based on international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), particularly under Article 26 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
“The NSIB should remain within the purview of the Aviation Ministry to retain access to the Ministry’s deep pool of aviation and aerospace expertise,” Dr. Kana said.
“This arrangement ensures compliance with both national and international regulatory frameworks, promotes operational support without interfering with the Bureau’s investigative independence, and allows for faster response to safety challenges due to streamlined communication.”
He warned that relocating the Bureau to the OSGF could result in bureaucratic delays, policy incoherence, increased politicization, and a weakening of the technical capacity and accountability mechanisms currently in place.
Dr. Kana also pointed out that the existing administrative structure already safeguards the Bureau’s autonomy, with its principal officers appointed by the President in accordance with legal and international guidelines.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to advancing transport safety, Dr. Kana stated, “We are open to collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure that our safety investigation framework meets global best practices and supports Nigeria’s broader transportation development agenda.”
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Special Duties, Hon. Agbedi Frederick, highlighted the importance of the amendment process in expanding and strengthening the NSIB’s statutory mandate.
He also stressed the need for inclusive stakeholder engagement.
“This hearing is not just a legislative obligation but a vital opportunity for dialogue and progress. Your contributions will ensure that the amended Act reflects the collective commitment to a safer Nigeria,” Hon. Agbedi said.
The public hearing attracted wide participation, including representatives from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume (represented), the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, GCON (represented by Rt. Hon. Kwaamoti B. Laori), as well as chairpersons of relevant committees, industry professionals, civil society organizations, and members of the press.
Participants presented a variety of perspectives and offered recommendations aimed at ensuring the NSIB remains a globally aligned and effective transport safety investigation authority.
