May 14, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has addressed recent concerns about the safety of Nigerian airports, clarified its involvement in the investigation of the helicopter crash that claimed the life of Herbert Wigwe, and provided updates on its broadened mandate to cover all modes of transportation.
Reacting to a recent assessment by the U.S. State Department suggesting that Nigerian airports are generally unsafe, NSIB Director General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said on Arise TV that the bureau does not share that position.
“While there is always room for improvement, the NSIB does not concur with the assessment that Nigerian airports are generally unsafe. It’s important to consider the context and metrics used in such evaluations,” Badeh said.
He acknowledged existing challenges such as perimeter fencing gaps and occasional wildlife intrusion at some airports but stressed that such issues are not unique to Nigeria.
“These incidents happen in other parts of the world, including the United States. It’s unfair to generalize that our airports are unsafe. We commend the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for ongoing improvements,” he said.
Addressing the recent incident in Asaba where an aircraft reportedly encountered animals on the runway, Badeh clarified that the aircraft suffered no damage and continued its flight to Abuja.
“The incident was reported to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), not NSIB, as there was no significant occurrence. Nonetheless, we will engage with the private operators managing the airport to discuss global best practices,” he added, noting that such incidents are rare in Nigeria.
On the investigation into the U.S. helicopter crash that killed Wigwe, Badeh clarified the NSIB’s role, refuting claims that it worked “side-by-side” with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
“We were an interested party in the investigation and were kept informed by the NTSB, which led the process in line with international protocols,” he explained.
According to the NTSB, the probable cause of the crash was spatial disorientation. The report also pointed to lapses in the operating company’s safety oversight and risk assessment procedures.
“It’s easy to blame the pilot, but there are systemic safety mechanisms that should have flagged the risk. The flight risk assessment did not adequately highlight the dangers,” Badeh noted.
He also provided an update on the NSIB’s expanded mandate under the NSIB Establishment Act of 2022, which designates the bureau as the sole accident investigation agency for air, rail, road, and maritime sectors.
“We are developing investigation regulations, training manuals, and standard operating procedures. Frameworks for maritime and rail investigations are already complete, and we are currently engaging stakeholders for their input,” he stated.
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