Tinubu Approves Transfer of Safety Investigation Bureau to Presidency

By Iyojo Ameh

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the relocation of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) from the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to the Presidency.

The decision, aimed at strengthening oversight and improving the effectiveness of accident investigations across Nigeria’s transport sector, was conveyed through a State House correspondence dated March 5, 2026.

The directive was later transmitted to the aviation ministry on March 11 for immediate implementation.

As part of the directive, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation has been instructed to initiate amendments to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau Establishment Act 2022 and submit the proposed changes to the National Assembly of Nigeria for legislative approval.

The repositioning effectively removes the bureau from the administrative control of the aviation ministry and places it under the Presidency, a move expected to align its operations more closely with national policy and oversight.

The NSIB was established under the 2022 Act to replace the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), which previously handled only aviation accident investigations.

With its creation, the bureau’s mandate was expanded to cover investigations into accidents and incidents across multiple transportation systems in Nigeria.

The agency is now responsible for probing accidents involving aviation, marine transport, railways and tracked vehicle systems, reflecting a broader national approach to transport safety.

Stakeholders in the transport sector had previously advocated for the bureau to be removed from the aviation ministry, noting that its expanded responsibilities extend far beyond aviation.

The latest development is therefore seen as a significant step in strengthening Nigeria’s transport safety framework and ensuring independent, comprehensive investigations into accidents across all modes of transportation.