Update: NSIB suspects ‘systemic issues’ in Wigwe crash

The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has raised concerns over possible systemic failures in the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of former Access Holdings Group CEO, Herbert Wigwe, his wife Chizoba, their son Chizi, and three others, rejecting the notion that the pilot alone was responsible for the incident.

In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, the NSIB responded to the recently published final report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which largely attributed the crash to pilot disorientation and poor judgment. The NTSB report pointed to the pilot’s decision to fly under visual flight rules despite poor weather conditions, concluding that spatial disorientation led to the fatal descent.

While acknowledging the findings, the NSIB emphasized the need to view the tragedy beyond individual error. “It appears there were systemic issues, and the flight risk assessment should have indicated a higher risk,” the statement read. “While it’s easy to blame the pilot, there is a system behind the pilot that should have mitigated these risks.”

The Bureau’s position marks a clear divergence from the U.S. agency’s conclusion, signaling deeper issues within operational safety structures. The NSIB stressed that a complete and fair analysis should consider all factors, including institutional, regulatory, and environmental elements that may have influenced the pilot’s decision-making.

Despite suggestions in some quarters that the NSIB co-investigated the crash with the NTSB, the Bureau clarified that it only participated as an interested party. “We did not work side-by-side with the NTSB,” said NSIB Director-General, Alex Badeh. “We were kept informed, but the NTSB led the investigation in line with international protocols, as the accident occurred on U.S. soil.”

The NSIB’s stance comes amid renewed scrutiny of Nigeria’s aviation safety record. Badeh also addressed a recent statement reportedly made by a U.S. department, suggesting Nigerian airports are generally unsafe. “While there is always room for improvement, the NSIB does not concur with the assessment that Nigerian airports are generally unsafe,” he said. “It’s crucial to consider the context and metrics used in such evaluations.”

Badeh acknowledged challenges such as wildlife intrusions and perimeter security lapses at certain airports but maintained that these are not unique to Nigeria. “These issues also occur in countries like the United States. What is important is our response and commitment to continuous improvement.”

Referencing a recent incident in Asaba where an aircraft reportedly encountered animals on the runway, Badeh said the aircraft continued its flight to Abuja safely and that no damage was recorded. “It was not significant enough to be investigated by the NSIB, but we will be engaging the private airport operator to address the lapse,” he noted.

The tragic crash, which occurred in February 2024 in California, shook the Nigerian business community and led to a wave of public mourning. Wigwe was a towering figure in Nigeria’s financial services sector, and his untimely death, along with that of his family, prompted calls for improved aviation safety both at home and abroad.

With over 500 transport accident investigations conducted across various modes, the NSIB reiterated its commitment to upholding international standards and prioritizing preventive measures over blame. “The purpose of accident investigations is not to assign blame but to identify safety issues and prevent future occurrences,” the agency concluded.

As the nation continues to grieve the loss of one of its most prominent business leaders, the NSIB’s comments add a critical layer to the conversation—highlighting the need for systemic accountability in aviation safety practices, both locally and internationally.