By Babatunde Iwalokun, PhD
The recent relocation of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to the Presidency marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s transport safety landscape. This move is expected to enhance the bureau’s independence, effectiveness, and impartiality in conducting investigations across multiple transport modes.
The NSIB was established under the NSIB Act of 2022 during the administration of the late former President Buhari. It is tasked with investigating accidents across four transport modes: air, marine, rail, and tracked vehicle systems. Its previous placement under the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development raised concerns about autonomy and credibility. The relocation, sanctioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to address these concerns and align Nigeria’s transport safety oversight with global best practices.
This relocation should be followed by a restructuring of NSIB’s directorates, which will play a crucial role in its effectiveness. Furthermore, aligning its departments and directorates with international agencies like the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will enable NSIB to leverage global expertise while considering the Nigerian context. The NTSB’s structure, with offices focused on aviation, highway, marine, and rail safety, could serve as a model.
Empirical evidence supports the relocation by the President. Studies show that investigative authorities perform better with structural independence from regulators. NSIB’s new reporting structure is expected to increase the likelihood of safety recommendations translating into policy action.
Stakeholders from various sectors welcome the move, believing it will enhance NSIB’s ability to identify systemic failures and propose corrective actions without regulatory pressure. The relocation also highlights the need for the proper appointment of board members to help the Bureau achieve its aims.
The renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prioritizes safety, bringing NSIB closer to the highest echelon of power. This move is expected to promote safety and prevent accidents as Nigeria’s transport network expands.
Barrister Babatunde Iwalokun, PhD, is a scholar in Emergency and Disaster Management
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