Management of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), led by its Director-General/CEO, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., paid a courtesy visit to the leadership of the Nigerian Navy on Friday.
A statement issued by NSIB explained that the team was received by Rear Admiral Ibrahim Dewu, the Chief of Naval Safety and Standards, who stood in for Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff. The meeting aimed at consolidating the existing relationship between NSIB and the Nigerian Navy. Before now, there have been ongoing engagements on a Memorandum of Understanding being developed to stimulate closer ties between both institutions. The visit today paved the way for expediting the delivery and implementation of the MOU, as well as other critical areas where they can synergise to achieve mutual goals and objectives.
During the meeting, Captain Badeh Jr. recognised the need for closer ties and a working relationship between NSIB and the Nigerian Navy, emphasising the critical role of the Nigerian Navy in ensuring maritime safety and security, which is crucial for conducting investigations into accidents and incidents occurring on the waterways.
Rear Admiral Dewu expressed the readiness and commitment of the Nigerian Navy to collaborate and support the operations of the NSIB. He assured Captain Badeh Jr. and the NSIB management team of their preparedness to provide maritime security, as well as facilitate transportation to accident sites and areas inaccessible by land when the need arises. He further emphasised the need for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to complement the Memorandum of Understanding. These frameworks will ensure seamless coordination and expedite response times during investigations.
This renewed engagement between NSIB and the Nigerian Navy ushers in the hope of improved maritime transport safety in Nigeria and sets a progressive precedent for inter-institutional cooperation. By leveraging the expertise of the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders, the NSIB is confident of being able to fulfill its obligations, ultimately leading to enhanced transportation safety and transport systems in Nigeria.
