The House of Representatives has passed for second reading, a bill proposing the transfer of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) from the federal ministry of Aviation to the Presidency.
The proposed legislation titled, ” A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (Establishment) Act, No. 35, 2022 and for Related Matters (HB. 2108)”, was sponsored by Abiodun Akinlade, member representing Egbado South/Ipokia federal constituency.
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Leading the debate on the bill during plenary on Wednesday, Akinlade argued that housing the NSIB within the same ministry responsible for regulating the aviation sector it investigates undermines the integrity of its findings. Placing the Bureau under the Presidency, he said, would enhance its ability to operate more efficiently and transparently.
Following a brief debate, Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House called for a voice vote, with lawmakers supporting the bill. The Speaker then referred the bill to the Committees on Special Duties and Aviation for further legislative action.
The NSIB is tasked with enhancing transportation safety across Nigeria. Formerly known as the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), the NSIB is tasked with conducting thorough and objective investigations into accidents and incidents involving air, rail, road, and marine transportation.
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The primary goal of these investigations is to identify probable causes and recommend safety improvements, rather than assigning blame or liability.
