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Tag: NSIB

  • NSIB probes aircraft’s runway slip at Kano airport

    NSIB probes aircraft’s runway slip at Kano airport

    The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into an incident involving an aircraft operated by Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano State.

    The aircraft reportedly overshot the runway due to a malfunction of the landing gear.

    The Hawker 800XP aircraft, with nationality and registration marks 5N-ISB, departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, yesterday at approximately 09:20 hours local time as a non-scheduled domestic passenger flight bound for Kano.

    A statement by NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, said there were eight persons on board, comprising two cockpit crew members, one cabin crew member, and five passengers.

    Explaining what may have caused the incident, the statement said: “During the approach phase into Kano, the flight crew reported a landing gear indication anomaly and requested multiple low passes over the runway to allow air traffic controllers to visually confirm the landing gear position.”

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    “Kano Tower confirmed on each low pass that all three landing gears appeared fully extended. The aircraft subsequently positioned for landing on Runway 06 and touched down at about 10:34 hours local time.

    “During the landing roll, the nose landing gear collapsed.

    “All eight persons on board disembarked safely, with no injuries reported.”

    The bureau explained that upon notification of the incident, it activated its Go-Team.

    According to the statement, NSIB investigators will examine the aircraft systems, operational procedures, maintenance records, and crew actions to determine the circumstances that led to the occurrence.

    The bureau assured the public that the probe is not conducted to apportion blame or liability but to identify safety issues and prevent future occurrences.

    It added that additional updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.

  • NSIB begins probe as Flybird aircraft overshoots runway at Kano airport

    NSIB begins probe as Flybird aircraft overshoots runway at Kano airport

    The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into an incident involving an aircraft operated by Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano State.

    The aircraft reportedly overshot the runway due to a malfunction of the landing gear.

    The Hawker 800XP aircraft with nationality and registration marks 5N-ISB departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Sunday, 14 December 2025, at approximately 09:20 hours local time, as a non-scheduled domestic passenger flight bound for Kano.

    According to a statement by the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, there were eight persons on board, comprising two cockpit crew members, one cabin crew member, and five passengers.

    On what may have caused the incident, the statement reads: “During the approach phase into Kano, the flight crew reported a landing gear indication anomaly and requested multiple low passes over the runway to allow air traffic controllers to visually confirm the landing gear position.

    “Kano Tower confirmed on each low pass that all three landing gears appeared fully extended. The aircraft was subsequently positioned for landing on Runway 06 and touched down at about 10:34 hours local time.

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    “During the landing roll, the nose landing gear collapsed. All eight persons on board disembarked safely, with no injuries reported.”

    The Bureau noted that upon notification of the incident, it activated its Go-Team.

    According to the statement, NSIB investigators will examine the aircraft systems, operational procedures, maintenance records, and crew actions to determine the circumstances that led to the occurrence.

    The Bureau, while assuring the public that the probe is not conducted to apportion blame or liability, but to identify safety issues and prevent future occurrences, added that additional updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

  • NSIB report reveals cause of Kaduna-bound train derailment

    NSIB report reveals cause of Kaduna-bound train derailment

    The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released the preliminary report on the derailment involving train number AK 1, operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), with locomotive registration CDD5c2 2701.

    The Kaduna-bound train, which derailed at Km49, Kubwa–Asham section, Kagarko Local Government Area, Kaduna State, on 26 August 2025, had 618 persons on board, including NRC crew members, security personnel, and service staff. 

    Twenty-one passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries, while no fatalities were recorded.

    The report released by NSIB on Wednesday shows the occurrence was the second derailment at Asham dtation within 13 months.

    The report also revealed that some sleepers at Asham station that had been damaged in the previous occurrence were only patched.

    According to the report, the Asham station automatic crossing point switch mechanism was also found unserviceable.

    It also revealed that the NRC personnel had only initial training and no formal refresher training, and the operational and maintenance equipment, including spare parts, were not readily accessible.

    The findings include: “The train derailed shortly after passing the track switch point at Asham station. The forward locomotive and seven adjoining coaches derailed.

    “The occurrence was the second derailment at Asham Station within 13 months. Some sleepers at Asham Station that had been damaged in the previous occurrence were only patched.

    “The Asham Station automatic crossing point switch mechanism was found unserviceable, and the switch point was manually operated and locked with the point clip. The point clip was broken.

    “NRC personnel had only initial training and no formal refresher training. The Operational and maintenance equipment, including spare OEM parts, was not readily accessible. 
    “Some instruments remained deferred and unserviceable, such as Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras and clocks”.

    The NSIB recommended that the NRC should ensure that all sleepers affected by derailments are replaced to guarantee track stability and prevent further derailments and also consider replacing all point switches at Asham Station and along the Abuja–Kaduna route with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts to ensure reliability and safety in switch operations, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.

    Other recommendations are: “The NRC should consider addressing all areas where cautionary advisories are issued to train drivers, to enhance operational safety and minimise the risk of accidents.
    “The NRC should provide formal refresher training for NRC personnel to ensure staff remain up to date with safety procedures and operational best practices.

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    “The NRC should restore all defective equipment such as communication equipment, Closed-Circuit Television cameras, clocks, and other critical instruments, to Original Equipment Manufacturer standards, as they are vital for effective monitoring, safety, and operational efficiency”.

    The Bureau, while noting that the report represents early findings which are subject to further analysis, added that the final report will present detailed conclusions and additional recommendations to enhance rail safety in Nigeria.

    The Bureau also said further investigation before the final report is released would include the examination of track alignment and infrastructure condition, inspection of locomotives and derailed coaches (brakes, wheels, bogies) and review of crew statements (driver, assistant driver, conductors, guards).

    It added that it would also conduct an analysis of train operation records, collect and review passenger and eyewitness accounts and further analyse the broken point clip.

  • NSIB to release report on Abuja-Kaduna train accident in 23 days

    NSIB to release report on Abuja-Kaduna train accident in 23 days

    The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), has said that the preliminary report of the investigation of the derailed Abuja-Kaduna train will be released in 23 days.

    The derailment of the Kaduna-bound train at Asham Station on 26 August 2025 caused passenger injuries, railway infrastructure damage, and indefinite suspension of train services along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor.

    Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at a press briefing, the Director-General of the NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh Jnr. said the Bureau requires funding to procure modern equipment and train its investigators to investigate cases beyond the aviation sector.

    He said the Bureau intends to technically examine the locomotives, coaches, and other rolling stock to ascertain the cause of the accident and to proffer safety recommendations.

    Badeh said, “The NSIB has appointed an Investigator-in-Charge (IIC) based on qualifications to organise, conduct, and control the investigation.

    “The IIC has full access and control over the accident site, evidence, and relevant records, including the protection and custody of rolling stock, locomotives, contents, and other evidence to prevent disturbance or tampering.

    “Evidence protection measures include securing the site, restricting access, and coordinating with railway security authorities, police, and other relevant entities. 

    “Recorded data from the train, including vigilance control systems, speedometers, on-board CCTV cameras, and over-speed trip mechanisms, will be preserved and analysed”.

    It added that the NSIB may appoint technical experts to assist the IIC and may delegate parts of the investigation if needed, while ensuring coordination with any judicial panel or tribunal of inquiry.

    The DG further said the ongoing investigation includes detailed inspection of the site, switch, track geometry, and infrastructure, review of NRC records, technical examination of locomotives, coaches, and other rolling stock.

    It also said it would interview the crew, staff, responders, passengers, and witnesses, obtain evidence, including organisational information from the operator, to determine causal and contributing factors and analyse any recorded data from accidents and incidents, ensuring protection of investigation records from unauthorised disclosure or use in judicial proceedings.

    Badeh further said If the investigation identifies international aspects, the NSIB will forward notifications to relevant States and may invite accredited representatives or advisers to participate, respecting their rights and obligations.

    Read Also: I take responsibility for Abuja-Kaduna train derailment — NRC MD

    On the likely date the preliminary report would be ready, he said: “Within 23 days, we should be able to make public the preliminary report of the investigation. The report would contain some of the factual evidence that is related to the occurrence, at least those that will give us a way forward on the way the investigation is going to go. So within 23 days, we should provide you with the preliminary report”.

    On funding, he said: “Some funding has been made available, but it’s not enough. If you look at the NSIB Act again, we’re still battling with the same case of funding. At the NSIB, we’re trying to prevent this accident and funding is one big part of this. 

    “We require funding to train our investigators, not just in aviation, but now you see with rail, maritime, all the others. Yes, we have some training, but more extensive training is needed, especially with the expansion of rail services in Nigeria, and then more equipment to investigate these accidents. So yes, we do require more funding”.

  • Six passengers injured as NSIB begins probe of Abuja-Kaduna train derailment 

    Six passengers injured as NSIB begins probe of Abuja-Kaduna train derailment 

    The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said it has commenced investigation to know the circumstances surrounding the derailment of a Kaduna bound train. 

    The Bureau said a team has been deployed to the site to gather evidence, engage relevant stakeholders, and commence investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

    It noted that available information indicates that six persons sustained injuries, and no recorded fatalities.

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    A statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance of NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji reads, “The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is aware of the derailment involving a Kaduna-bound train service which occurred at approximately 11:09 A.M. today, 26th August 2025, at KM 49 between Kubwa Station and Asham Station.

    “Current information available indicates that six persons sustained injuries, and no recorded fatalities. A go-team has been deployed to the site to gather evidence, engage relevant stakeholders, and commence investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

    “The Bureau sympathises with those injured and extends its support to all passengers affected. The investigation will focus on identifying the direct and underlying factors that led to the derailment, with the aim of issuing safety recommendations to prevent a recurrence.

    “Commenting on the incident, the Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said: “We deeply sympathise with all who sustained injuries. The Bureau has deployed investigators to the site to ensure the root cause of this derailment is uncovered. Our commitment is to ensure safer rail transport for Nigerians through a transparent and independent investigation.”

    The NSIB promised to provide updates as the investigation progresses.

  • Why safety issues still persist in the maritime sector, by NSIB DG

    Why safety issues still persist in the maritime sector, by NSIB DG

    The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has said bureaucracy and weak inter-agency collaboration are major reasons safety concerns still persist in the country’s maritime sector.

    Speaking with newsmen, the Director-General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., explained that gaps in information-sharing and institutional rivalry were undermining safety investigations.

    According to him, “full implementation of the NSIB Establishment Act 2022 would drastically reduce serious incidents and accidents and improve safety in all modes of transportation in Nigeria. Unfortunately, the bureau only gets information about most occurrences in the inland waterways from the media.”

    He noted that although the Bureau had been recognised by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as Nigeria’s independent accident investigator, cooperation from some domestic agencies was not forthcoming.

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    “The best practice all over the world is that we usually have an independent investigative body outside the regulator. We are recognised by the IMO. Rome was not built in a day, but we are moving in the right direction.

    “We are supposed to work as a team with agencies like the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). But bureaucracy has been interfering with safety in the maritime industry,” he lamented.

    Captain Badeh however disclosed that NSIB had enjoyed better synergy with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). He assured that efforts were ongoing to bring NIMASA into full compliance with its obligations under the law.

    On regulatory progress, he said the Bureau had finalised the Maritime Safety Investigation Regulations 2025, as well as similar frameworks for rail and aviation. “Engagement of investigations in other modes of transportation is a work in progress. Some of them will resume by September. We intend to engage retired personnel, and of course we hope to get people seconded from NIWA and NIMASA, train them and teach them the procedures of our investigations,” he told reporters.

    He further explained that staffing and funding challenges were being addressed, with provisions for recruiting retirees and leveraging secondments to fill technical gaps.

    On operational capacity, the NSIB DG disclosed that the Bureau had secured approval to access the Nigerian Navy’s “Falcon Eye” maritime surveillance system, which would provide real-time monitoring of incidents pending the procurement of NSIB’s own facility.

  • NSIB seeks regional collaboration to curb bird strikes, operational complexities

    NSIB seeks regional collaboration to curb bird strikes, operational complexities

    The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has called for collaboration among countries within West Africa to tackle bird strikes, operational complexities and other safety concerns in the aviation sector.

    The Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Capt. Alex Badeh Jnr., made the call at the 12th Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) Commission meeting in Abuja on Monday with the theme: “Celebrating our collective wins in capacity building and aviation safety in the BAG region and beyond”.

    He explained that the collaboration will help address emerging challenges in the aviation sector and ensure that the skies remain safe for all.

    Speaking on the importance of the collaboration, Capt. Badeh said, “Together, we can address emerging challenges, whether bird strikes, operational complexities, or technological advancements, and ensure that our skies remain safe.

    “Cooperation among member states is not merely a goal—it is the foundation of our success. In an interconnected world, aviation incidents transcend borders, necessitating seamless collaboration in accident investigation, knowledge sharing, and capacity building.

    “By pooling our expertise, resources, and insights, we strengthen our ability to identify risks, implement effective safety recommendations, and prevent future occurrences”.

    He added that the collaboration is evident by its ongoing technical assistance to the Liberian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and discussions with the Ghana AIB to establish a flight recorder laboratory.

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    The BAGAIA Commissioner, Engr. Charles Erhueh said through collaboration, the commission has grown an independent accident investigation Bureau in the region from two to five member states.

    He added that the region has maintained a six-year record of no major accidents in BAG airspace.

    He, however, called for sustainable funding to ensure every bureau operates independently and technology sharing through regional lab infrastructure and smart, cost-effective partnerships.

    On partnership, Engr. Erhueh disclosed that member states were deepening partnerships with other international bodies and airline manufacturers to ensure that the skies remain safe, investigators empowered, and agencies effective. 

  • NSIB, FRSC partner to strengthen transport safety

    NSIB, FRSC partner to strengthen transport safety

    The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has emphasized  its commitment to improving road safety through a strategic partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

    Its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji disclosed this in a statement.

    The two organisations yesterday signed  a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)  to  broaden safety investigations across all modes of transport, including road, aviation, maritime, and railway.

    This collaborative action, the agency said  is poised to elevate the standards of safety, addressing critical areas such as enforcement and real-time response to accidents, which are crucial for safeguarding Nigerian lives.

    The partnership, Mrs. Oladeji said will enable both agencies to create a more holistic approach to transportation safety.

    Through shared expertise and resources, the two agencies, she said plan to ensure comprehensive investigations into safety-related incidents, a key step toward preventing future accidents.

    Speaking on the partnership, Director General of NSIB, Captain  Alex Badeh  praised  FRSC’s ongoing improvements in enforcement and responsiveness to road safety, acknowledging the agency’s recent strides in road safety management. He emphasised that the partnership would help NSIB in providing safety recommendations that enhance the FRSC’s ability to carry out its mandate effectively.

    Read Also: NSIB to launch maritime, rail regulations to boost transportation safety

    This collaboration, according to Badeh, is key to ensuring that safety protocols are continuously updated and relevant to emerging transport challenges.

    The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “The signing of the MOU with NSIB is all about making all our environment safer. Not just the aviation space, but also the road and the railway, because they’re in charge of safety investigations of the entire transport sector. We are going to put more effort so that both agencies can collaborate to make our roads safe for the motoring public.”

    By signing the MOU, NSIB and FRSC have taken a significant step towards reinforcing the safety infrastructure of Nigeria’s transport sector.

    As part of the collaboration, the two agencies will now work closely to implement safety measures, with a particular emphasis on improving road safety, a critical concern in light of rising traffic accidents.

    The initiative also signals a concerted effort to standardise investigation protocols and improve accountability within the transport sector.

    With the formalisation of this MOU, NSIB has reaffirmed its role as Nigeria’s transport investigation agency. The bureau’s Director-General noted that the partnership with FRSC would promote a deeper understanding of safety issues across multiple transportation domains. As both agencies intensify their efforts to make Nigerian roads safer, NSIB aims to provide invaluable support by ensuring that safety recommendations are actionable and aligned with global best practices.

    By leveraging NSIB’s investigative expertise and the FRSC’s operational capabilities, this new initiative will support the ongoing efforts of both agencies to curb road accidents and ensure the well-being of the motoring public. Both agencies will monitor progress through collaborative workshops, feedback loops, and data sharing, ensuring that their joint initiatives continuously adapt to emerging safety challenges.

    Looking ahead, the NSIB and FRSC partnership is set to produce tangible outcomes, as  both agencies work together to strengthen safety measures, the focus will be on streamlining processes for accident investigation and response.

    The MOU lays the groundwork for a future where safety-related investigations are more timely, thorough, and actionable, ultimately leading to a significant reduction in transport-related fatalities and injuries.

  • NSIB to launch maritime, rail regulations to boost transportation safety

    NSIB to launch maritime, rail regulations to boost transportation safety

    The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has disclosed plans to launch two regulatory frameworks to enhance safety in the rail and maritime transport sector.

    The Bureau said it was finalising the regulations; the NSIB Casualty Investigation Regulations for the maritime mode of transport and the Rail and Track Accident Investigation Regulations for the rail sector.

    It added that it remains committed to enhancing transportation safety across all modes in Nigeria through a standardised, independent, and investigative approach.

    The Bureau, in a statement on Monday by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, stated that the regulations are tailored to Nigeria’s operating realities while drawing strength from international best practices.

    The statement read, “The maritime regulations are aligned with the IMO Casualty Investigation Code, establishing a standardised process for investigating accidents on inland waterways, ports, and Nigerian-flagged vessels.

    “The rail investigation regulations are also being developed with due consideration for the unique operational structure and geographic scope of the Nigerian railway system, while referencing international norms in rail safety investigation”.

    The Bureau further explained that the regulations are built upon the NSIB’s successful alignment with ICAO Annex 13 for air accident investigation. This framework has guided aviation safety improvement worldwide and continues to inform Nigeria’s aviation sector reforms.

    It stated that it aims to create a unified culture of safety across the nation’s transport infrastructure by adopting a harmonised, mode-agnostic approach.

    On his vision and the Bureau’s direction, the Director General of NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh Jnr, stated: “The goal is not merely to investigate accidents, but to ensure that every finding and every safety recommendation becomes a cornerstone for safer transportation in Nigeria.

    “Our regulations are not only about compliance; they are about relevance, relevance to our waterways, rail systems, and the millions of Nigerians who depend on them daily.”

    “Crucially, the development of these regulations has been rooted in inclusive consultation, incorporating field visits to jetties, inland waterways, ports, and rail infrastructure across Nigeria. This practical engagement ensures the regulations are adaptable, devoid of theoretical ambiguities, and fully responsive to Nigeria’s transport landscape.

    “However, while NSIB remains responsible for conducting independent investigations and issuing safety recommendations, the responsibility for implementation lies with other critical agencies”.

    Capt. Badeh called on relevant stakeholders to start building internal capacity for the adoption and implementation of NSIB safety recommendations.

    “NSIB is calling on stakeholders such as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers Council, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to begin proactively building internal capacity for the adoption and implementation of NSIB safety recommendations.

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    ⁠“Safety recommendations are not mere reports; they are calls to action. The effectiveness of any investigation is measured not by how well it is written but by how well it is implemented. We urge our partner agencies to view this as a shared mission for national safety.

    “The NSIB believes that the lessons learned from marine, rail, and air accidents must not be siloed but rather used to form a national benchmark for proactive safety strategies. In the coming weeks, as these regulations are finalised and presented to stakeholders, the Bureau will continue to sensitise agencies and the public about their roles in transforming Nigeria’s transport safety landscape.

    “Indeed, as Nigeria continues to expand its transport infrastructure in pursuit of economic development, the role of safety cannot be overstated. The NSIB stands ready, not only as an investigator of past tragedies but as a catalyst for a safer and more resilient transport future for all Nigerians”.

  • Ilorin crash: NSIB recovers data card as onsite probe begins

    Ilorin crash: NSIB recovers data card as onsite probe begins

    The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has begun an on-site investigation into the crash-landing of a Diamond training aircraft operated by the Aviation Training School. 

    The incident occurred at 17:28 local time on May 23, 2025 during a simulated instrument approach on runway 05 at General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin.

    The Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., who visited the crash site on Saturday, May 24, 2025, to assess the situation and oversee the initial phase of the investigation, confirmed that the aircraft’s data card has been recovered and analysis has commenced.

    He also confirmed that both occupants of the aircraft were conscious and coherent. 
    He said one of the occupants has undergone an MRI scan, and both are receiving appropriate medical care.

    A statement on Saturday by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance of the Bureau, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji reads: “Our investigators are on ground and have begun work in earnest. The damaged aircraft is positioned on the left side of the runway, and recovery operations are nearly complete. Four of our specialists will remain at the site to complete critical measurements before returning to Abuja.

    “The data card will be analysed at NSIB’s transport safety laboratory to support the Bureau’s findings and inform safety recommendations”.

    On the status of the occupants of the aircraft, he said: “Both occupants of the aircraft are conscious and coherent. One has undergone an MRI scan, and both are receiving appropriate medical care.
    “They are conscious, coherent, and in stable condition”.

    Capt. Badeh while adding that a preliminary report will be released within 30 days, emphasised the Bureau’s commitment to a thorough and transparent process.

    “Our job is to determine what happened, to whom it happened, how it happened, and most importantly, how to prevent it from happening again.”

    The DG while assuring the public that the country’s airspace remains safe, promised to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.