AIB harps on multi-modal accident probe agency

Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) Nigeria, has reiterated the call for the creation of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), to carry out investigations of occurrences involving all modes of transportation.

The Bureau said the multi-modal agency, like others overseas, would enhance safe transportation across the air, road and water sub-sector of the industry.

Speaking at the public hearing on amendment bills for Civil Aviation Acts recently, AIB Commissioner, Akin Olateru, said the proposed NSIB Bill, which is currently before the National Assembly, would reinforce safety in all modes of transportation, through distinctive, efficient and effective investigations of accidents and serious incidents.

Olateru said: “The NSIB will determine the probable causes of accidents and serious incident occurrences in transportation and publish safety recommendations to operators, regulators and others, which would help prevent the recurring of similar occurrences, therefore, improving safety of transportation in Nigeria.”

He added that the proposed bill, if passed into law, would also provide adequate legal and institutional framework for the regulation and administration of safety transportation occurrences.

The AIB Commissioner disclosed that the Bureau’s current mandate, which is to investigate aircraft accident and serious incidents that occur within the Nigerian airspace or anywhere Nigeria’s interest is affected with the aim of forestalling such occurrence from reoccurring, has greatly improved the safety of air travel in the country, as only one fatal occurrence has been recorded in the civil aviation since 2015.

Stating the importance of an independent investigation agency, Olateru explained that “the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), were responsible for regulating and investigating their own accident and incident occurrences, and where agencies act as regulators and investigators, the issue of transparency and public confidence may be questioned.”

Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Nnolim Nnaji, acknowledged the resilience, determination and frankness exhibited by various groups and critical stakeholders throughout the public hearing of the agencies.

Nnaji further the legislators was aware of the place of aviation in the nation’s national economy and expectations, adding that the Committee would not renege in its promise of ensuring that within the framework of the legislative agenda of the ninth Assembly, they would strive to bequeath to Nigerians an aviation industry that is virile, safe and reliable.