NIMASA, Railway Undermining Multi-modal Accident Investigation – NSIB

Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), over the weekend, said the non-compliance with the NSIB Establishment Act of 2022 by the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has severely impacted the bureau’s ability to conduct comprehensive multi-modal accident investigation in the country.

This was disclosed by the director general of NSIB, Capt Alex Badeh(Jnr) at the re-opening of the bureau’s regional office in Lagos.

Badeh, who stated that the percentages by the two agencies are statutorily required percentages, said the financial shortfall limited NSIB operational capabilities and also hindered the bureau’s growth and effectiveness in safeguarding Nigerian lives.

LEADERSHIP reports that the NSIB establishment act of 2022 stipulates that NIMASA should remit three per cent of the three per cent gross freight from international cargo, while the NRC is required to contribute five per cent to ticket sales and cargo charges.
“We continue to face significant challenges in fulfilling our mandate, notably securing the necessary funding to support our operations. The non-compliance with the NSIB Establishment Act of 2022 by the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Railway Commission (NRC) in remitting the statutorily required percentages of their revenue to NSIB has severely impacted our ability to conduct comprehensive multi-modal accident investigations.

“The NSIB Establishment Act of 2022 stipulates that NIMASA should remit three per cent of the three per cent gross freight from international cargo, while the NRC is required to contribute five per cent of ticket sales and cargo charges. This financial shortfall not only limits our operational capabilities but also hinders our growth and effectiveness in safeguarding Nigerian lives.

“We implore the federal government to further support the critical role the NSIB plays in ensuring the safety and security of our nation’s transportation networks.

The value of human life and the importance of public safety cannot be overstated. We earnestly appeal for increased financial support to enable us to effectively fulfil our mandate, conduct thorough investigations, enhance safety standards, and contribute meaningfully to advancing transportation safety across Nigeria,” he pointed out.

Speaking on the re-opening of the bureau’s office in Lagos, Capt. Badeh said the demolition of NSIB’s office by the last administration affected the bureau’s operation in Lagos.
According to him, the demolition left staff members of the bureau without means to carry out their vital work, resulting in a struggle for productivity and gaps in service delivery.
“This occasion is especially momentous after a challenging three-year period during which our operational capacity in Lagos was severely impacted. The unfortunate demolition of our previous office under the past administration left us without a physical presence in this critical location, hindering our ability to serve the transportation sector effectively.

“During this hiatus, our dedicated team members were left without the means to carry out their vital work, resulting in a struggle for productivity and a gap in our service delivery. When I was appointed director general of the NSIB in December 2023, I was met with many unfinished tasks at the Bureau. Employee morale was low, and there were teeming requests and competing demands.

“As a non-revenue-generating agency, we have grappled with limited government funding and bureaucratic inefficiencies. Despite these challenges, I, together with the team at NSIB, approached our task with determination and a can-do attitude,” he noted.

Speaking, the minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, expressed optimism at the re-opening of NSIB Lagos regional office. Keyamo, however, assured the NSIB DG that the outstanding funds from NIMASA and NRC that would enable the agency to carry out its responsibilities would be released.

“On the issue of the non-remitted funds that you mentioned from the other agencies, a lot is happening behind the scene and very soon, I think you will see some change of attitude as you will have your funds, it may not be all of it, but you will have some of your funds with which to work.

“I want to thank the chairman, House committee on Aviation Technology, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, though we have not gotten to the promised land, but I can tell you that he has put in a lot of effort to make this happen,” he said.