Keyamo Advocates Retention Of Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau In Ministry of Aviation

Keyamo Advocates Retention Of Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau In Ministry of Aviation

The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has strongly advocated for the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to remain under its supervision, in response to a proposed amendment Bill seeking to transfer the Bureau to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

Representing the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo,  the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, presented this stance during a one-day Public Hearing conducted by the House of Representatives Joint Committees on Aviation and Special Duties at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

According to a statement on Wednesday, the hearing focused on proposed amendments to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) Act No. 35 of 2022.

Dr. Kana highlighted the NSIB’s role as a multi-modal transport safety investigation agency that covers aviation, maritime, rail, and road sectors. Despite this broad scope, its core technical expertise and institutional framework are aviation-based and aligned with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

He underscored the benefits of keeping the NSIB within the Ministry, including access to specialized aviation and aerospace knowledge, adherence to regulatory frameworks, operational support without affecting independence, rapid response capabilities, and avoidance of bureaucratic delays.

He warned that moving the Bureau could risk politicization, weaken accountability, and disrupt coherent safety policies. The existing structure currently guarantees the NSIB’s autonomy, with leadership appointed by the President per legal and ICAO guidelines.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to advance Nigeria’s transport safety in line with global best practices.

Hon. Agbedi Veitiemone Frederick, Ph.D, Chairman of the House Committee on Special Duties, emphasized the importance of the amendment process for enhancing the NSIB’s mandate and called for robust public participation, describing the hearing as a critical step towards stronger national safety measures.

The hearing featured key national figures and stakeholders, including representatives from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, relevant committee chairs, industry experts, civil society groups, and media, all contributing valuable input on the Bill.