The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has introduced a new Conditions of Service (CoS), replacing decades-old bureaucratic processes with a modern staff framework designed to strengthen its workforce and enhance transport safety outcomes.
At the core of the reform is the scrapping of the long-criticised Annual Performance Evaluation Report (APER) model, replaced by a structured Performance Management System anchored on regular assessments, measurable results, and competency-based career progression.
The new system is expected to shift workplace culture toward continuous improvement, incorporating Performance Improvement Plans to ensure that advancement is driven by technical competence and consistent productivity rather than years of service.
The revised CoS also prioritises staff welfare as a critical component of effective accident investigation. It introduces mental health support systems, structured post-trauma care, and dedicated recovery leave for personnel exposed to high-stress incident scenes.
In addition, the framework provides financial and social support measures, including long-term loan schemes, extended parental leave, and post-retirement medical coverage.
Aligned with global best practices, the reform positions the NSIB alongside leading safety investigation agencies worldwide, reinforcing its capacity to deliver credible, data-driven outcomes.
The development also underscores the Bureau’s commitment to institutional independence and operational excellence under the current administration’s reform agenda.
