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By Chinelo Obogo
The Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Captain Alex Badeh, has raised concerns over the failure of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Railway Commission (NRC) to remit the statutorily required percentages of their revenue. According to Captain Badeh, the non-compliance with the NSIB Establishment Act of 2022 has significantly impaired the bureau’s capacity to conduct thorough multi-modal accident investigations.
Speaking at the reopening of the Lagos regional office at the weekend, Captain Badeh highlighted the critical financial challenges faced by the NSIB due to the lack of compliance by NIMASA and NRC. “We continue to face significant challenges in fulfilling our mandate, notably securing the necessary funding to support our operations,” he stated. “The non-compliance with the NSIB Establishment Act of 2022 by the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Railway Commission (NRC) in remitting the statutorily required percentages of their revenue to NSIB has severely impacted our ability to conduct comprehensive multi-modal accident investigations.”
The NSIB Establishment Act of 2022 mandates that NIMASA should remit 3 per cent of the 3 per cent gross freight from international cargo, while the NRC is required to contribute 5 per cent of ticket sales and cargo charges to the NSIB. Captain Badeh emphasized that this financial shortfall not only limits the bureau’s operational capabilities but also hinders its growth and effectiveness in safeguarding Nigerian lives.
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“This financial shortfall not only limits our operational capabilities but also hinders our growth and effectiveness in safeguarding Nigerian lives,” he noted.
Captain Badeh called on the Federal Government to support the NSIB in securing the necessary funding to enhance its operations. “We implore the Federal Government to further support the critical role the NSIB plays in ensuring the safety and security of our nation’s transportation networks. The value of human life and the importance of public safety cannot be overstated. We earnestly appeal for increased financial support to enable us to effectively fulfill our mandate, conduct thorough investigations, enhance safety standards, and contribute meaningfully to advancing transportation safety across Nigeria.”
He also commended the Minister for his exceptional leadership and advocacy for improved safety measures in the transportation industry. “We commend the Minister for his exceptional leadership and advocacy for improved safety measures in the transportation industry. His support has been invaluable, and we remain hopeful that he will continue to support our cause in securing the necessary resources for the NSIB’s operations.”
Captain Badeh’s remarks underscore the urgent need for compliance with the statutory financial contributions to ensure the NSIB can operate effectively and uphold its mission of enhancing transportation safety in Nigeria.
