NSIB LAGOS REGIONAL OFFICE RE-OPENS, AS CAPTAIN BADEH PROMISES REINVIGORATED TRANSPORT SAFETY
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) marked a significant milestone today with the re-opening of its Lagos regional office, a vital step in the agency’s ongoing mission to ensure transportation safety across Nigeria. The ceremony, held at the new office building, was attended by Barrister Festus Keyamo, Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Hon. Akinlade Abiodun Isiaq, Chairman of the House Committee on Aerospace Technology, Engr. Umar Ahmed Farouk, Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, among other top dignitaries and key stakeholders from the aviation and transportation sectors.
In his opening address, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the NSIB, expressed his gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN, for his resolute support in achieving the agency’s goals. He reassured Nigerians that the NSIB is steadfastly committed to ensuring the safety of transportation users, emphasising that the new Lagos regional office will play a crucial role in this mission.
Captain Badeh also addressed ongoing challenges, specifically highlighting the non-compliance of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in remitting the statutory percentages of their revenues to the NSIB, as mandated by the NSIB Establishment Act of 2022. He stressed that this non-compliance has severely impacted the Bureau’s ability to conduct comprehensive multi-modal accident investigations.
“The NSIB Establishment Act of 2022 stipulates that NIMASA should remit 3% of the gross freight from international cargo, while the NRC is required to contribute 5% of ticket sales and cargo charges,” Badeh stated. “This financial shortfall not only limits our operational capabilities but also hinders our growth and effectiveness in safeguarding Nigerian lives.”
Captain Badeh appealed for increased financial support from the Federal Government to enable the NSIB to fulfill its mandate effectively. He highlighted the critical role the Bureau plays in ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria’s transportation networks, emphasizing that the value of human life and the importance of public safety cannot be overstated.
Honourable Minister Festus Keyamo commended Captain Badeh for his relentless efforts in securing the new office building in Lagos, following the demolition of the previous facility. Highlighting the strategic importance of the Lagos office to Nigeria’s transportation industry, he praised the NSIB for establishing a renewed presence in this critical location. He assured that efforts are underway to resolve the issue of non-remitted funds from other agencies, promising imminent changes in attitude from these entities.
In his concluding remarks, Captain Badeh highlighted the resilience and steadfast commitment of the NSIB team. “The re-opening of this Lagos office symbolizes our determination to transform transportation safety from an aspiration into a tangible reality. Together, we will uphold the highest standards of safety and investigation, contributing to a safer, more prosperous Nigeria.”
The re-opening event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a tour of the new office, and closing remarks by Mrs. Bimbo Olawunmi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.
