Reps Move To Reform Outdated Transport Safety Laws

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Abbas Tajudeen, says the National Assembly is taking decisive steps to reform outdated transport safety laws and align Nigeria with international best practices through a new amendment bill.

Speaking in Abuja at a one-day public hearing organized by Joint Committees on Special Duties and Aviation, on the proposed amendment to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) Act, Dr Abbas said the move signals a deliberate shift towards integrated safety oversight in air, land, and maritime transportation.

“The 10th House is committed to providing robust legislative support that reflects the complexity of today’s transport systems,” the Speaker said. “The NSIB must have the mandate and tools to operate holistically, not in silos.

Dr Abbas noted that the legislation is not only a domestic necessity but also a step toward fulfilling Nigeria’s obligations under global aviation and maritime agreements.

Chairman of the Special Duties Committee, Agbedi Yeltiemone Frederick said the hearing was an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s transport safety infrastructure through public engagement.

He emphasized the importance of inclusive governance and called on stakeholders, including industry experts and civil society representatives, to contribute to the amendment process.

“The success of this process depends on your frank contributions and informed perspectives,” Agbedi told participants.

Chairman House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Isiaka Akinlade, who sponsored the amendment bill called for the full autonomy of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, noting that the bureau’s current placement under the Ministry of Aviation hampers its ability to conduct impartial and effective investigations into air, rail, marine, and road transport accidents.

He cited best practices from countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, where safety boards operate independently and report directly to the highest levels of government. “We must reposition the NSIB to enhance credibility, foster inter-agency cooperation, and restore public trust in accident investigations,” he added.

Akinlade also criticized overlaps in functions between the NSIB and other regulatory agencies such as the FRSC, NCAA, and NIMASA, calling them sources of inefficiency and confusion.

The proposed amendment, House Bill 2108, seeks to place the NSIB directly under the Presidency and remove it from the supervision of the aviation ministry.

If passed, Akinlade said the bill would improve decision-making, reduce bureaucratic delays, and enable Nigeria to meet global safety expectations set by the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji