Aviation ministry rejects legislative move to transfer NSIB to SGF’s office

The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has rejected a proposed legislative amendment seeking to transfer the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, (NSIB) from its oversight to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF).

The ministry’s position was presented at a one-day public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Joint Committees on Aviation and Special Duties, held on Wednesday at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja to deliberate on the Bill to amend the NSIB Act No. 35 of 2022.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ibrahim Kana, highlighted the importance of keeping the NSIB under the ministry’s supervision.

He explained that the NSIB “is a multi-modal transport safety investigation agency that plays a critical role in investigating accidents and incidents across the aviation, maritime, rail, and road transport sectors.”

He added that despite its broad mandate, “its core technical expertise and institutional foundation remain rooted in aviation, aligned with international protocols established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation”.

Kana warned against the risks associated with transferring the Bureau’s oversight, noting that it could lead to “politicisation, diminished accountability, and disrupted policy coherence.”

He affirmed the advantages of keeping the NSIB under the ministry, stressing that it would “ensure the Bureau continues to benefit from the ministry’s specialised aviation and aerospace expertise.

“Maintain compliance with both national and international regulatory frameworks, guarantee operational support without compromising its investigative independence, enable quicker response to safety challenges due to streamlined communication, and prevent administrative delays and bottlenecks that might arise if moved.”

The Permanent Secretary declared that the NSIB’s independence is already protected with its principal officers appointed directly by the President in line with existing law and ICAO’s Article 26.

He reiterated the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with stakeholders in advancing Nigeria’s transport safety framework, noting the ministry’s “commitment to working with all relevant parties to ensure the advancement of Nigeria’s transport safety architecture in line with international best practices.”

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Special Duties, Agbedi Frederick, emphasized the importance of the hearing in refining and strengthening the NSIB’s mandate.

Agbedi said “This hearing is not just a legislative obligation but a vital opportunity for dialogue and progress.

“Your contributions will ensure that the amended Act reflects the collective commitment to a safer Nigeria.”