Manny Ita –
President Bola Tinubu has directed that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) be moved from the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to the Presidency in a move that effectively overrides the earlier position of Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo.
Sources familiar with the directive said the decision is aimed at strengthening the independence of the accident investigation body and aligning its operations with global aviation safety standards which require such agencies to operate without direct control from aviation regulators or operators.
Officials said the directive will place the bureau under the direct oversight of the Presidency, a structure expected to enhance its autonomy in conducting investigations into aviation, maritime and rail accidents without institutional pressure from ministries whose agencies may be subjects of investigations.
The NSIB was established to conduct independent investigations into transportation accidents and incidents, with the mandate to determine causes and make safety recommendations rather than apportion blame.
A senior government official familiar with the development said the President approved the relocation after reviewing concerns raised by industry stakeholders about the need for greater institutional independence. “The President believes the bureau must be completely insulated from regulatory authorities in order to maintain credibility and international confidence in Nigeria’s accident investigation system,” the official said.
The move reportedly contrasts with the earlier position within the Aviation Ministry led by Keyamo, where discussions had centred on keeping the bureau within the ministry’s structure while strengthening operational autonomy.
Another official in the aviation sector said the decision reflects global best practice where accident investigation bodies operate outside the control of aviation regulators. “International standards encourage separation between investigators and regulators so that findings remain impartial and free from administrative influence,” the official said.
Industry analysts say the relocation could also strengthen Nigeria’s compliance with global aviation oversight frameworks and enhance the credibility of safety investigations conducted by the bureau.
The development comes amid ongoing reforms within the aviation sector under the Tinubu administration aimed at improving safety oversight, regulatory independence and international cooperation.
Government officials say further administrative details regarding the transition of the bureau to the Presidency are expected to be communicated to relevant agencies in the coming weeks.
