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The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced the introduction of new regulatory frameworks aimed at significantly improving safety across Nigeria’s air, marine, rail, and land transport sectors. The move, according to the Bureau, is part of its commitment to fostering a unified, world-class safety culture under its expanded mandate as provided by the NSIB Act of 2022.
In a statement issued by Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, the Bureau disclosed that two new regulatory instruments are in the final stages of development: the NSIB Casualty Investigation Regulations for Maritime Transport and the Rail and Track Accident Investigation Regulations. These are designed to establish a harmonised system of accident investigation and safety management, tailored to Nigeria’s transport environment but aligned with global best practices.
According to Oladeji, the maritime regulations are being developed in line with the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Casualty Investigation Code, ensuring a uniform process for investigating accidents on Nigeria’s inland waterways, ports, and flagged vessels. Similarly, the rail regulations will adopt globally recognised safety standards while reflecting the peculiarities of Nigeria’s railway network.
The NSIB has already achieved significant success in aviation safety through the implementation of ICAO Annex 13, which has contributed to Nigeria’s improved air safety record. The Bureau now aims to replicate this success across other transport sectors.
NSIB Director-General, Capt. Alex Badeh, emphasised that the ultimate goal is not only to investigate accidents but to ensure safety recommendations are fully implemented to prevent future tragedies.
“Our regulations are not just about compliance; they are about relevance to our waterways, rail systems, and the millions of Nigerians who depend on them daily,” Badeh said. “Safety recommendations are not mere reports; they are calls to action. The real measure of any investigation is how well its findings are implemented.”
The NSIB urged key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Nigerian Shippers Council, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and the Nigerian Railway Corporation, to adopt and integrate its recommendations into their operations.
“The effectiveness of any investigation lies in how partner agencies act on the recommendations. This is a shared mission for national safety,” Badeh added.
The Bureau further stressed that insights from aviation, marine, and rail investigations should not be treated in isolation but collectively applied to strengthen Nigeria’s overall safety framework.
NSIB stated that it has conducted extensive field engagements — including visits to jetties, ports, inland waterways, and rail lines — to ensure the upcoming regulations are practical, adaptable, and free from “theoretical ambiguities.”
The Bureau plans to formally present the finalised regulations to stakeholders in the coming weeks and pledged to continue engaging the public to create awareness of its safety recommendations.
“As Nigeria expands its transport infrastructure as part of its economic development goals, the role of safety cannot be overstated,” Badeh noted. “The NSIB stands ready, not only as an investigator of past accidents but as a catalyst for a safer and more resilient transport future for all Nigerians.”
Transport analysts believe that the new regulatory instruments could significantly reduce accidents if fully implemented. The harmonised approach, which integrates lessons from different transport modes, is expected to address systemic weaknesses that have contributed to recurring incidents in Nigeria’s waterways, railways, and roads.
The Bureau reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that all safety recommendations will be tracked and reported to the public to ensure compliance by relevant agencies.