The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has responded to recent concerns regarding the safety of Nigerian airports, clarifying its role in the investigation of the helicopter crash involving the late Herbert Wigwe, and provided updates on its expanded mandate covering all modes of transport.
In response to a statement from the U.S. State Department suggesting Nigerian airports are generally unsafe, the Director General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Bade Jr. stated that while there is always room for improvement, the NSIB does not concur with the assessment that Nigerian airports are generally unsafe.
Bade who acknowledged that challenges such as perimeter fencing and instances of wildlife intrusion exist at some airports, emphasized that they are not unique to Nigeria and occur at airports globally, including in the United States.
He noted that it is unfair to generalize that Nigeria airports are totally unsafe adding that they recognize the need for continuous improvement, while commending the efforts of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in implementing upgrades.
Regarding the recent incident in Asaba, where an aircraft was reported to have encountered animals on the runway, the DG clarified that the aircraft was fine and continued its journey to Abuja without any damage.
On the investigation into the accident involving the late Herbert Wigwe, Bade corrected the assertion that the NSIB worked side-by-side with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The NTSB report indicated that the probable cause of the accident was spatial disorientation while Bade noted that the report also highlighted deficiencies in the company’s oversight and safety management processes.
Bade also provided an update on the NSIB’s expanded mandate, stating that in line with the establishment act of 2022, they are now the sole accident investigation agency in Nigeria, covering air, rail, road, and maritime.
He said they are developing the necessary frameworks, including maritime investigation regulations, training manuals, investigation procedure policies, and manuals.
The NSIB is committed to promoting transport safety and conducting objective, comprehensive, and accurate investigations into transport accidents and incidents in Nigeria.
