Tinubu Urges NSIB to Fast-Track Transport Safety Reports
President Bola Tinubu has called on the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to intensify its efforts in investigating transport-related accidents and release reports swiftly to improve safety and avoid repeat incidents.
This directive was given during a transportation stakeholders’ forum hosted by the NSIB on Tuesday in Abuja.
The President’s call comes amid growing concerns about transportation safety standards in Africa, following recent comments from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which emphasized that air safety on the continent still falls below global benchmarks.
IATA had appealed to African leaders to recognize aviation as a key driver of economic progress, improved connectivity, job creation, and social advancement—highlighting the need to reduce operating costs and resolve issues like blocked airline funds.
Speaking on behalf of the President, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, stressed that delayed investigations only add to the pain of affected families and increase the risk of recurring incidents.
Tinubu reminded the audience that the NSIB is required to launch its investigations within seven days of any serious incident. He emphasized the urgency of preserving evidence, quickly engaging with witnesses, and pinpointing the root causes without delay.
“History teaches us that ignored lessons lead to repeated tragedies,” the President warned.
He urged that safety investigations must go beyond documentation and result in clear recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences.
Mr. Keyamo echoed the President’s message, calling on relevant stakeholders to embed the bureau’s findings into their regulatory frameworks, assign appropriate funding, and establish strong oversight mechanisms. “Let us establish inter-ministerial task forces to track and enforce these recommendations, ensuring accountability at every level,” he said.
He added that the aviation industry had already implemented some of NSIB’s safety suggestions—such as those on fatigue and runway management – which had led to measurable improvements. He encouraged maritime and land transport sectors to adopt similar practices.
Reinforcing the government’s stance, Keyamo emphasized the importance of sector-wide collaboration to build more secure and efficient transport systems.
Earlier at the event, NSIB Director General, Captain Alex Badeh Jnr, said the purpose of the workshop was to enable productive discussions, exchange professional insights, and enhance safety frameworks across the aviation, rail, and maritime industries.
“In an era where transportation systems are increasingly interconnected, collaboration is not just beneficial, it is essential,” Badeh noted.
