The Director-General of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, Alex Badeh, has accused the Nigeria Railway Corporation and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency of failing to remit the statutory percentages of their revenues to the bureau.

He stated that this constitutes a disregard for the bureau’s Establishment Act of 2022.

Badeh noted that this breach of the law has continued to adversely affect the bureau’s activities, thereby impeding its obligations to safeguard the lives of Nigerians.

He made these remarks at the re-opening of the bureau’s regional office in Lagos State on Friday after it was demolished to make way for development during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Badeh said, “However, our journey is far from complete. We continue to face significant challenges in fulfilling our mandate, notably securing the necessary funding to support our operations.

“The non-compliance with the NSIB Establishment Act of 2022 by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and the Nigerian Railway Corporation in remitting the statutorily required percentages of their revenue to the NSIB has severely impacted our ability to conduct comprehensive multi-modal accident investigations.

“The NSIB Establishment Act of 2022 stipulates that NIMASA should remit 3% of the gross freight from international cargo, while the NRC is required to contribute 5% of ticket sales and cargo charges. This financial shortfall not only limits our operational capabilities but also hinders our growth and effectiveness in safeguarding Nigerians’ lives,” he added.

The NSIB boss, however, appealed for the Federal Government’s financial support “to enable us to effectively fulfil our mandate, conduct thorough investigations, enhance safety standards, and contribute meaningfully to advancing transportation safety across Nigeria.

He stated that, “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.”

Responding at the event, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, appreciated the DG’s work, recalling how the NSIB office was demolished “for no reason.”

He said, “A functional office owned by the NSIB was demolished for no reason. That was very sad, and the DG spoke with me when I got into office. We had no choice but to make this happen, and all the accolades should not come to me but to the DG of NSIB for his drive and passion for this agency, which has propelled it forward. This looks good; I thank you and all the other directors here present.”

On the issue of the non-remitted funds from the other agencies, Keyamo assured Badeh that “a lot has happened regarding making what you want to happen, and a lot is still going on behind the scenes. Very soon, you will begin to see some changes in attitude from the other agencies.” (The PUNCH)

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