…warns staff against deviation from safety standards

The newly appointed Director General, of Nigerians Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) Alex Badeh Jnr, has pledged harness the power of data and cutting-edge technology to improve air and maritime safety across the country.

Badeh who gave the the assurance during the handing over ceremony by the former NSIB DG Akin Olateru yesterday in Abuja said they are going to leverage on cutting-edge technology to revolutionize safety protocols, proactively identifying and addressing potential risks.

He pledged to work closely with the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, including stakeholders across all government ministries, departments, and agencies as well as airlines, maritime authorities, rail operators, among others.

He said ” The Minister has charted a clear course through his five-point agenda for the ministry, under which the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau is domiciled. I am honoured to be a part of the team navigating this course and I am fully committed to implementing the first point of the agenda, which focuses on ensuring strict compliance with safety regulations and continuously enhancing Nigeria’s rating by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

“My vision for the NSIB is to be an agency defined not by the tragedies we investigate, but by the transformative advancements in transport safety that we inspire. We will not simply react to accidents; we will proactively prevent them from occurring.

“We will harness the power of data, technology, and human ingenuity to build a future where every journey is undertaken with peace of mind, every mile traversed with the assurance of a safe return.

“My path forward is paved with four key pillars: First, steadfast commitment to excellence. As the Director- General, my foremost duty is to act as an extension of the Minister’s mission by prioritizing the adoption of international safety standards across all modes of transport.

“Our commitment to excellence will extend beyond compliance; it will also be devoted to driving transformative change for a safer tomorrow. Our goal is a multimodal transport system that is accident-free all year round. It is indeed an ambitious goal, but possible.

“To achieve this, we will leverage cutting-edge technology to revolutionize safety protocols, proactively identifying and addressing potential risks, while also offering intrepid recommendations to the relevant authorities. Second, inter-agency and inter-sector collaboration.

“In aviation, we will collaborate with the airlines and regulatory bodies to strengthen safety management systems. We will work with maritime stakeholders to enhance safety measures across all operations, from passenger ferries to fishing vessels and cargo ships.

“We will engage the leadership of the railway corporation on implementing modern technology to significantly prevent incursion, collision, derailment and protect railway workers. We will also partner with the Federal Road Safety Corps to tackle the leading causes of road accidents such as speeding, distracted driving and alcohol impairment.”

Noting that utmost transparency and accountability will form part of his leadership at NSIB, he cautioned NSIB staff against deviating from safety standards, urging them to strictly adhere to established protocols and guidelines.

“Transparency and accountability are cornerstones of our commitment to safety at the NSIB. Under my leadership, we will strive to uphold the highest standards and professionalism at every level.

“Let me unequivocally state today that any deviation from laid down standard operating procedures (SOP’S) or compromise on safety protocols, whether by NSIB staff or transport operators, will not be tolerated. Swift and severe punitive actions will follow any such infractions”, he warned.

On maritime safety, among others, he said: “Waves of ships, and the asphalt of roads. It is a promise that safety and zero-accident will always be our utmost priority, and in the face of unforeseen circumstances, every necessary measure will be taken to ensure the well-being of those involved, and learn from it, ensuring that every step forward is a step towards a safer future for all travelers.”