The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has achieved another feat by becoming a part of the Marine Accident Investigators’ International Forum (MAIIF).
This was contained in a statement issued by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the organisation, Dr. James Odaudu on Thursday.
According to the statement, NSIB said the induction into MAIIF sets them on the path to even greater successes in its investigative prowess particularly in maritime investigations – and solidifies Nigeria premier spot in Africa as regards transportation accidents and serious incidents investigation.
NSIB also revealed that they are now the second member on the continent of Africa following the remarkable achievement.
“With MAIIF having over 31 member countries cutting across Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa, NSIB joins Cape Verde as the second African member.”
While commenting on the success recorded, the Director-General of NSIB, Engr. Akin Olateru disclosed that it would guarantee the nation’s access to international collaboration and assistance from nations involved in maritime safety investigation.
Olateru stressed that it is similar to what the organisation has benefitted from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Banjul Accord Group Investigation Agency (BAGIA), and African Civil Aviation Commission (AfCAC) in the aviation sector.
He also mentioned that the membership will further improve the nation’s maritime safety and follow global standards in carrying out its investigations.
His words: “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.”
NSIB was founded in June 1992 as an international non-profit organisation 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.
It 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 interest is affected, with the aim of enhancing safety in the transportation sector.
The organisation’s purpose is to promote and improve marine accident investigation, and to foster cooperation and communication between marine accident investigators around the world.
Similarly, 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 recommended to prevent reoccurrence.
