By Our Correspondent

National News – President Bola Tinubu has approved the relocation of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to the Presidency.

The move overrides the position of Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, who had insisted the bureau remain under his ministry.

Sources indicate the bureau will now report directly to the Presidency, enhancing its operational independence and efficiency across all transportation sectors.

The decision follows recommendations from Hadiza Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, who cited global best practices for accident investigation bodies.

In her November 2025 letter, Usman highlighted the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the United States, which reports directly to the highest level of government, as a model for improving transparency, accountability, and public trust in investigations.

The bureau oversees accidents in aviation, marine, rail, and tracked vehicles, and its previous placement under the Aviation Ministry limited its effectiveness.

President Tinubu, through his Private Secretary, Damilola Aderemi, conveyed approval for the NSIB’s repositioning on March 5, 2026.

The bureau is expected to report through the Office of the National Security Adviser, ensuring enhanced enforcement of safety regulations.

Lawmakers and stakeholders had long debated the bureau’s placement, with many advocating for autonomy from sectoral ministries.

The Ministry of Aviation had previously resisted the relocation, but growing support from the transport sector and federal authorities made the move inevitable.

The NSIB’s transition to the Presidency marks a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s accident investigation framework, aligning it with global standards and increasing operational independence.

Experts predict improved service delivery, credibility in investigative outcomes, and reinforced public confidence in national safety oversight.