NSIB unveils new regulations for air transport, others to enhance safety

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) last week unveiled three draft regulations aimed at establishing an integrated safety framework for Nigeria’s rail, maritime, and aviation sectors.

The move is aimed at harmonising safety standards and enhancing collaborative investigation protocols across all modes of transportation.

The proposed regulations were presented during the Multimodal Transportation Stakeholders’ Workshop held in Abuja. The event, themed ‘Strengthening Transport Safety Standards Through Collaboration,’ gathered industry leaders, policymakers, safety experts, and government officials from the aviation, marine, rail, and road sectors to chart the way forward for Nigeria’s transportation safety framework

In his opening remarks, Alex Badeh, director general, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, introduced the three regulatory documents.

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The first of the drafts, Railway (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Regulations, proposes a structured methodology for probing rail accidents and near-misses. It outlines robust procedures for evidence-based investigations, ensuring that every incident is thoroughly analysed with the aim of producing actionable safety recommendations.

“This framework will ensure that rail accidents are treated with the urgency and depth they deserve, with the ultimate goal of preventing reoccurrence,” Captain Badeh Jr. added.

The second draft, Maritime Safety Investigation Regulations, seeks to enhance transparency, accountability, and modernisation in the handling of maritime incidents. It is designed to bring greater transparency, accountability, and modernised procedures to the investigation of accidents in Nigeria’s inland and coastal waterways and port operations.

“Beyond improving outcomes, this regulation is expected to foster trust and compliance in our maritime ecosystem,” said the DG, NSIB.

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The third regulation, a revised version of the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations, integrates emerging technologies, global lessons, and stakeholder feedback. It aligns Nigeria’s aviation investigation procedures with international standards while enhancing readiness and responsiveness in air transport.

“By modernising this framework, we are better prepared to respond to aviation incidents and strengthen public confidence in the sector,” he said.

Captain Badeh explained that the drafts were the result of months of dedicated work, informed by accident data and global standards. “Our primary objective is to foster open dialogue, exchange insights, and collectively refine the frameworks that safeguard lives and infrastructure in aviation, maritime, and railway sectors,” he said, inviting stakeholders to provide valuable input to ensure the regulations are both effective and practical.