The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has achieved another milestone by securing membership in the Marine Accident Investigators’ International Forum (MAIIF), enhancing its global presence in maritime safety investigations.
MAIIF, established in 1992 as an international non-profit organization, focuses on bolstering maritime safety, preventing marine pollution, and fostering collaboration among marine accident investigators worldwide.
Under the NSIB Act 2022, the Federal Government set up NSIB, empowering it to probe accidents and serious incidents in various transportation modes nationwide and beyond Nigeria’s interests. The bureau aims to elevate safety standards in the transportation sector.
NSIB’s core mandate includes:
- Delving into the circumstances and causes of transportation accidents.
- Issuing safety recommendations to prevent recurrence.
- Ensuring improved transportation safety.
The inclusion into MAIIF signifies a significant leap for NSIB, especially in strengthening its capabilities in maritime investigations. It solidifies Nigeria’s position as a key player in investigating transportation accidents and severe incidents across Africa.
NSIB’s Director-General, Engr Akin Olateru, highlighted the importance of this admission, emphasizing that it will facilitate international collaboration, similar to the benefits already gained in the aviation sector from entities such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Banjul Accord Group Investigation Agency (BAGIA), and African Civil Aviation Commission (AfCAC).
Olateru expressed optimism that NSIB’s membership in MAIIF would further enhance Nigeria’s maritime safety standards and ensure compliance with global investigative standards.
“This step aligns with our goal of engaging in platforms that foster knowledge exchange and idea sharing,” stated Olateru.
