- Photo caption : NSIB Director General, Mr Alex Badeh (left) receiving the handover not from the immediate past DG of the Bureau, Engr. Akin Olateru
The Director General, Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau(NSIB), Mr. Alex Badeh has stated that as the boss of the agency his number one duty is to act as an extension of the Minister’s mission by prioritising the adoption of international safety standards across all modes of transport.
He said this in a speech he read at the official handover of the note to him by his predecessor, Engr. Akin Olateru
Badeh said that the agency’s duty is to achieve a multimodal transport system that is accident-free all year round, adding that though it is an ambitious goal, but that it is possible.
He added that to achieve this, NSIB will leverage cutting-edge technology to revolutionise safety.
“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 revolutionise safety protocols, proactively identifying and addressing potential risks, while also offering intrepid recommendations to the relevant authorities,” he said.
The new NSIB DG said that his vision for the NSIB is to be an agency defined not by the tragedies it investigates, but by the transformative advancements in transport safety that it inspires.
NSIB, he said will not simply react to accidents; but will proactively prevent them from occurring, adding that NSIB 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.
According to him, “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.
Badeh also said that NSIB second priority is to embark on inter-agency and inter sector collaboration, adding that the agency’s team will work closely with the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, as well as stakeholders across all government ministries, departments and agencies, including airlines, maritime authorities, rail operators, road agencies and most importantly, the Nigerian people.
“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.
Speaking further, the DG said that based on a comprehensive baseline analysis of transport safety that the NSIB will commission, develop specific collaborative efforts and launch targeted public awareness campaigns to make Nigeria’s transport network safer for everyone.
The NSIB Director General transparency and accountability will be cornerstones of its commitment to safety at the NSIB, adding that under his leadership, the agency will strive to uphold the highest standards and professionalism at every level.
This, he said, includes keeping the public informed, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and holding ourselves accountable for our actions.
“This is how we earn and build trust. Furthermore, strict adherence to established standard operating policies, procedures, and protocols is mandatory for everyone involved. This obligation extends not only to NSIB staff but also to our valued partners in the transport sector. 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. Conversely, I want to state that professional excellence will be recognised and rewarded. Together, through this commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence, we shall encourage as well as reinforce safety and responsibility within the NSIB and beyond,” he assured.
On his predecessor, Akin Olateru, Mr. Akin Olateru, Badeh said, “You have contributed enormously to improving transport safety in our nation. Your service has laid the foundation upon which we can all build, and I pledge to carry the torch of safety to greater heights. I extend my sincere gratitude for your service and wish you all the best in your future endeavours.”
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