Aviation Ministry Opposes Move to Transfer NSIB Oversight to SGF Office

The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has expressed strong opposition to a proposed legislative amendment that seeks to place the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), removing it from the ministry’s purview.

This position was made clear during a one-day public hearing convened by the House of Representatives Joint Committees on Aviation and Special Duties on Wednesday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. The hearing focused on a Bill aimed at amending the NSIB Act No. 35 of 2022.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ibrahim Kana, stressed the importance of retaining the NSIB under the ministry’s supervision. He described the bureau as a multi-modal transport safety investigation body with a critical role in probing incidents across aviation, maritime, rail, and road sectors.

Kana explained that although the NSIB’s mandate spans various transport modes, its foundational expertise and structure are deeply rooted in aviation and aligned with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.

He warned that transferring the Bureau’s oversight could result in politicisation, weakened accountability, and disrupted policy direction. He outlined several benefits of keeping the NSIB under the ministry, including access to specialised aviation expertise, alignment with national and international regulations, swift response to safety issues, and avoidance of administrative bottlenecks.

Kana also noted that the NSIB already maintains operational independence, as its principal officers are appointed by the President in accordance with current legislation and ICAO’s Article 26. He reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to enhance Nigeria’s transport safety framework in line with global best practices.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Special Duties, Agbedi Frederick, emphasised the significance of the hearing in strengthening the NSIB’s mandate. “This hearing is not just a legislative obligation but a vital opportunity for dialogue and progress,” he said, adding that all contributions would help shape a more robust and effective safety investigation framework for Nigeria.