By Eshiorameh Sebastian in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has called on transportation stakeholders to ensure prompt investigations into accidents and incidents, emphasizing that delays not only leave victims’ families in distress but also perpetuate avoidable safety hazards.
Represented by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the President stressed the need for stronger collaboration across Nigeria’s transport sectors to build a safer and more efficient system. He cited the success of partnerships with international bodies like ICAO in reducing accident rates globally.
Tinubu highlighted that coordinated efforts in rail and maritime transport—particularly in infrastructure upkeep and emergency preparedness—could prevent tragedies and save lives.
At the event, Keyamo reinforced the President’s message, stating: “We must work together to eliminate silos: exchange expertise, fund collaborative training, and adopt advanced technologies like AI-powered predictive analytics to enhance safety. Most importantly, we cannot afford delays in accident investigations. Protracted probes deny families closure and let recurring risks go unaddressed.”
“The NSIB’s mandate to commence investigations swiftly within seven days for serious incidents ensures that evidence is preserved, witnesses are interviewed promptly, and causal factors are identified without undue hindrance. Drawing from global benchmarks, such as those from the U.S. ” National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), timely investigations enable rapid dissemination of preliminary findings, allowing operators to implement interim safeguards. In marine safety, for example, the draft regulations stress the separation of investigations from judicial proceedings, focusing solely on prevention. This independence fosters trust and encourages reporting without fear of reprisal.”
While speaking at the event, the director general of NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh Jnr. said
“During this workshop, we are excited to present and discuss three key regulatory drafts that form the cornerstone of our efforts:
First, the Railway (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Regulations Draft, which aims to establish robust procedures for probing railway mishaps, ensuring thorough analysis and preventive recommendations to enhance rail safety nationwide.
Second, the Maritime Safety Investigation Regulations Draft, designed to streamline investigations into maritime accidents and incidents, promoting transparency, accountability, and improved safety protocols in our vital waterways and ports. And third, a comprehensive review of the Revised Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations Draft, which builds on existing frameworks to incorporate emerging technologies, global lessons learned, and stakeholder feedback for even stronger aviation safety oversight.
“These drafts represent months of dedicated work by our teams at NSIB, informed by data, expert consultations, and real-world experiences. Today, we invite your valuable input to refine them further, ensuring they are practical, enforceable, and effective in preventing future incidents.”
Also, the managing director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa pledged to collaborate with the NSIB to ensure safety in railway sector.
Different speakers, who spoke at the event include former managing director of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board David Jones; Former managing director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Engr. Seyi Sijuwade among others.
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