Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has been accepted into the Marine Accident Investigators’ International Forum (MAIIF). MAIIF is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of maritime safety and prevention of marine pollution through the exchange of ideas, experiences, and information acquired in marine accident investigation. Its purpose is to promote and improve marine accident investigation, and to foster cooperation and communication between marine accident investigators around the world.
The NSIB was established by the Federal Government under the NSIB Act 2022 and is charged with the responsibility of investigating accidents and serious incident occurrences in Air, Rail, Marine, and other modes of transportation in Nigeria and anywhere else Nigeria’s interest is affected, with the aim of enhancing safety in the transportation sector. The fundamental objective of the Bureau is to improve transportation safety by determining the circumstances and causes of Air, Rail, Marine, and other modes of transportation accidents, as well as proffering safety recommendations to prevent recurrence.
This induction into MAIIF sets NSIB on the path to even greater successes in its investigative prowess, particularly in Maritime investigations, and solidifies Nigeria’s premier spot in Africa as regards transportation accidents and serious incidents investigation. With MAIIF having over 31 member countries cutting across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa, NSIB joins Capo Verde as the second African member.
Speaking on the admission, the NSIB Director-General, Engr Akin Olateru, said it would guarantee the nation’s access to international collaboration and assistance from nations involved in maritime safety investigation, similar to what it is already benefiting from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Banjul Accord Group Investigation Agency (BAGIA), African Civil Aviation Commission (AfCAC) in the aviation sector.
According to him, the membership of the organization will further improve the Nation’s maritime safety and follow global standards in carrying out its investigations.
“This is a step in the right direction for us as a Nation by joining forums like this where we can exchange information, knowledge, and ideas,” said Olateru.
Dr James Odaudu
Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection