The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has voiced strong opposition to a bill seeking to amend the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) Act and relocate the Bureau from the Ministry to the Presidency. At a public hearing on a bill to amend the NSIB ACT held at the National Assembly, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, argued that placing the NSIB under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) would situate it within a non-technical policy office lacking the necessary aviation and transportation oversight, which could undermine the Bureau’s effectiveness.

In contrast, Engr. Gagare Nadungu, Permanent Secretary of Political and Economic Affairs at the OSGF, maintained that the Presidency through the SGF offers a central coordination unit well-positioned to house the Bureau adding that It is better to domicile the NSIB under the Presidency, where it can operate independently with broader national oversight

Supporting the proposed amendment, Dr. Onwusoro Maduka, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, highlighted the need for independence in accident investigations. Earlier in his remarks,, Hon. Kwamoti Laori, who represented the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, said the amendment reflects a proactive approach to improving transport safety and aligning Nigeria’s systems with international standards.
Chairman of the House Committee on Special Duties, Hon. Agbedi Fredrick, described the hearing as a platform for dialogue and inclusive governance. The sponsor of the bill, Hon. Isiaq Akinlade, emphasized that placing the NSIB under the Presidency would ensure independence, efficiency, and credibility in transportation accident investigations.