The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has opposed a proposed legislative amendment seeking to transfer the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau from its oversight to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The ministry’s stance was presented at a one-day public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Joint Committees on Aviation and Special Duties, held on Wednesday at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
The hearing deliberated on the Bill to amend the NSIB Act No. 35 of 2022.
Representing the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the Permanent Secretary, Ibrahim Kana, emphasised the importance of keeping the NSIB under the ministry’s supervision.
He stated that the NSIB “is a multi-modal transport safety investigation agency that plays a critical role in investigating accidents and incidents across the aviation, maritime, rail, and road transport sectors.”
Despite its broad mandate, he noted that “its core technical expertise and institutional foundation remain rooted in aviation, aligned with international protocols established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation”.
Kana highlighted the risks associated with transferring the Bureau’s oversight, warning that it could lead to “politicisation, diminished accountability, and disrupted policy coherence.”
He listed the advantages of keeping the NSIB under the ministry, stating that it would “ensure the Bureau continues to benefit from the ministry’s specialised aviation and aerospace expertise.
“Maintain compliance with both national and international regulatory frameworks, guarantee operational support without compromising its investigative independence, enable quicker response to safety challenges due to streamlined communication, and prevent administrative delays and bottlenecks that might arise if moved.”
Kana further emphasised that the NSIB’s independence is already protected with its principal officers appointed directly by the President in line with existing law and ICAO’s Article 26.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s willingness to collaborate with stakeholders in advancing Nigeria’s transport safety framework, stating the ministry’s “commitment to working with all relevant parties to ensure the advancement of Nigeria’s transport safety architecture in line with international best practices.”
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Special Duties, Agbedi Frederick, underscored the importance of the hearing in refining and strengthening the NSIB’s mandate.
“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,” Agbedi said.
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