The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has rejected a proposed amendment to transfer the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) from its supervision to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), warning that such a move could weaken the Bureau’s effectiveness and compromise safety oversight.
Speaking at a one-day public hearing held at the National Assembly in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, presented the Ministry’s official position on behalf of the Minister, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FICArb (UK). The hearing was organized by the House of Representatives Joint Committees on Aviation and Special Duties to deliberate on a bill seeking to amend the NSIB Act No. 35 of 2022.
Kana argued that while the NSIB has a multi-modal mandate—covering aviation, maritime, rail, and road accident investigations—its operational core and technical expertise are firmly rooted in aviation, in line with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
“The Bureau is best placed under the Aviation Ministry where it can continue to draw from specialized expertise, maintain compliance with global standards, and respond quickly to safety issues,” Kana stated.
He warned that moving the Bureau to the OSGF could result in bureaucratic delays, reduced accountability, and potential politicization of safety investigations. He added that the current arrangement already provides NSIB with operational independence and leadership appointments made directly by the President.
The Ministry outlined several risks of the proposed transfer, including:
- Disruption of existing technical and institutional alignment.
- Delayed response to transport safety challenges.
- Threat to international credibility and ICAO compliance.
- Fragmented coordination across transport sectors.
- Loss of aviation-specific policy support.
Kana stressed that keeping NSIB under the Ministry would preserve streamlined communication channels and ensure safety-related decisions are made without administrative hurdles.
Chairman of the House Committee on Special Duties, Hon. Agbedi Veitiemone Frederick, Ph.D., opened the hearing by emphasizing the need for public input in strengthening national safety structures.
“This isn’t just a legal process—it’s a chance to improve our national safety systems through open dialogue and expert contributions,” Agbedi said.
The hearing drew participation from key stakeholders, including representatives of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajuddeen, Ph.D., GCON (represented by Rt. Hon. Kwaamoti B. Laori); lawmakers, industry leaders, civil society organizations, and the media.
Dr. Kana concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s transport safety architecture and collaborating with stakeholders to uphold international best practices.
The National Assembly is expected to consider the submissions as it decides the future structure and oversight of the NSIB.
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