Reps move to strengthen operational capacity of safety investigation bureau

The House of Representatives has commenced legislative processes to strengthen the operational capacity of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), enabling it to address safety concerns across not only the aviation sector, but also land and maritime transport.

Speaking during the opening of a public hearing on a bill to amend the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau Act No. 35 of 2022, Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House, described the proposal as a deliberate step towards modernising the Bureau’s mandate in line with Nigeria’s evolving transport landscape and safety obligations.

The amendment bill proposes transferring the NSIB from the Federal Ministry of Aviation to the Presidency. Lawmakers argued that situating the Bureau within the same ministry it is expected to investigate compromises the objectivity and credibility of its findings. They contended that placing it under the Presidency would enhance its operational independence and efficiency.

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Abbas, represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Petitions, Bitrus Laori, said the 10th House is committed to providing robust legislative support for sectors critical to Nigeria’s economic sustainability and growth, including aviation, land, and maritime transport.

“The Bill under consideration seeks to expand the powers and operational scope of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau. The objective is to equip the Bureau to tackle safety-related issues beyond aviation, extending its mandate to land and marine sectors.

“Our aim is to produce legislation that addresses present challenges while remaining adaptable to future safety demands. This is not merely a routine legislative exercise. It is a national response to the pressing need for a proactive, rather than reactive, safety system”, he said.

Abbas added that expanding the Bureau’s mandate and equipping it with enhanced tools would foster more cohesive safety management and improved emergency coordination across all modes of transport.

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“Beyond institutional reform, the Bill also aims to align Nigeria’s safety investigation procedures with international best practices. As air, road, and marine traffic continue to grow in volume and complexity, we must ensure our investigative frameworks keep pace. A safe transport system is a hallmark of a responsible state,” he said.

Agbedi Yeltiemone, Chairman of the House Joint Committees on Special Duties and Aviation, which is handling the Bill, said the amendment holds the potential to significantly enhance the Bureau’s capacity to investigate, prevent, and respond to incidents across all modes of transport.

“We are here today because we care deeply about the safety of Nigerians—in the air, on land, at sea, and across the entire transport network. We are also here because we believe in inclusive governance and value public input in crafting laws that affect us all”, he said.