New Tax Law Threatens NSIB Operations, But Aviation Ministry Steps In – DG Warns

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The Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Capt. Alex Badeh, has raised concerns over the potential disruptive effects of the newly enacted Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) tax law on the agency’s operations. Speaking during a virtual briefing with journalists on Thursday, Badeh revealed that while NSIB is still reviewing the law to fully understand its implications, early indications suggest a negative impact on the agency’s ability to operate effectively.

“This is a potential problem, but we are being proactive, and the aviation ministry is also very proactive. Let’s see how that plays out before enforcement,” Badeh remarked, underscoring the collaborative efforts underway between NSIB and the Ministry of Aviation to engage the Federal Government and mitigate any adverse consequences before the law comes into effect.

Reflecting on NSIB’s achievements, Badeh highlighted the progress made since the passage of the NSIB Establishment Act of 2022, describing it as a transformative legislation poised to significantly reduce accidents and enhance safety across all modes of transportation in Nigeria. He noted that the bureau has made substantial headway in drafting key regulations and strengthening safety protocols in line with international best practices.

Badeh further stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation, particularly with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), to ensure that Nigeria’s multimodal transport system meets global safety standards. The DG’s comments underscore a delicate balance: while the new tax law poses operational risks, proactive engagement and regulatory alignment remain central to sustaining and advancing transport safety nationwide.

The NSIB continues to monitor developments closely, emphasizing its commitment to protecting lives and ensuring safe transport operations despite potential fiscal challenges introduced by the new law.

The Ameh News recall Dr. Allen Onyema, the chairman/CEO of AirPeace Limited, disclosed a shockwave through Nigeria’s aviation sector, warning that the newly proposed tax reform could collapse the entire industry within 48 hours if implemented.

 

His stark warning came during the 29th League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) Annual Conference on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at The Providence Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos. The event, themed “Aviation Financing in Nigeria: The Risks, Opportunities and Prospects,” gathered key aviation stakeholders, regulators, and journalists to tackle pressing issues around industry funding.

 

Dr. Onyema as a member of panelists explained that the new tax regulations, if enforced without careful consideration, could cripple airlines, halt operations, and put thousands of jobs at risk. He commended the swift intervention of the Minister of Aviation, who stepped in during the panel to address the concerns and seek immediate solutions.

 

The LAAC conference also spotlighted outdated funding models that have long hampered aviation growth, promoting innovative, data-driven strategies aligned with Nigeria’s fiscal and monetary reforms.

 

Industry watchers say Onyema’s warning highlights a critical moment for aviation policy, signaling the need for urgent collaboration between regulators, airlines, and government to protect the sector from potential collapse.

 

@2025 The Ameh News: All Rights Reserved 


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