The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has firmly opposed a proposal to transfer the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), describing the move as “ill-advised” and a threat to sectoral autonomy.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the ministry reiterated that the NSIB, which is charged with investigating civil aviation and other transport-related accidents, must remain under the aviation ministry to preserve its technical independence and global credibility.
“The NSIB was established in line with international standards, especially those set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), to ensure independent, professional, and timely investigations into air mishaps. Any attempt to politicize its operations or subject it to bureaucratic bottlenecks will compromise safety,” the statement read.
The ministry emphasized that the bureau’s placement under the aviation ministry ensures seamless coordination, regulatory compliance, and access to sector-specific expertise. Transferring it to the SGF’s office, it warned, could create administrative confusion and weaken Nigeria’s commitment to global aviation safety protocols.
A senior official in the ministry, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the move appeared to be politically motivated and lacked consultation with key stakeholders in the industry. “This is not about efficiency; it’s about control. We must avoid politicizing aviation safety”.
Industry experts have also weighed in on the matter, warning that the proposed transfer could affect Nigeria’s standing with international aviation bodies. Captain John Okoli, a retired airline pilot and safety consultant, noted that similar attempts in the past have drawn the ire of global regulators.
“ICAO mandates strict functional and structural independence of accident investigation bodies. If Nigeria flouts this, it risks Category 1 downgrade and sanctions that could cripple air operations”.
While the SGF’s office has yet to issue a formal response, sources close to the Presidency suggest that the proposal was part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at consolidating investigative agencies under one umbrella.
However, stakeholders say the aviation sector should remain insulated from such centralization, given its technical nature and international ramifications.
The aviation ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting NSIB with the tools and independence it needs to carry out its critical mandate.
“The safety of Nigerian airspace cannot be compromised for administrative convenience or political expediency. We urge the Federal Government to reconsider this move in the interest of national and global aviation safety,” the statement concluded.
