President Bola Tinubu has officially approved the relocation of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to the Presidency, overriding objections from Minister Festus Keyamo. While it remains unclear which specific office within the Presidency will oversee the bureau, sources from Saturday PUNCH confirm that the President’s approval signals a significant shift in the agency’s administrative alignment. This move ends months of deliberations over the bureau’s optimal placement for operational efficiency. Background of the Controversy For months, stakeholders, lawmakers, and transport sector operators have debated the bureau’s location. Advocates for independence argued that placing the NSIB under the Ministry of Aviation restricted its effectiveness, given its oversight responsibilities across air, rail, maritime, and road safety. Conversely, Keyamo insisted that the bureau should remain within the ministry to retain streamlined governance. Ultimately, President Tinubu concluded that the NSIB would execute its duties more efficiently while reporting directly to the Presidency. Advisory from the Presidency In a letter dated November 3, 2025, obtained by our correspondent, Hadiza Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head of the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, recommended relocating the bureau. Usman highlighted that the move aligns with global best practices, referencing the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the United States, which reports directly to the federal government to ensure autonomy and credibility in investigations (NTSB Official Site). The letter emphasized that NSIB’s current placement under the aviation ministry, as outlined in Section 66, Page A1136 of the Establishment Act, limits its capacity to investigate not only air accidents but also marine, rail, and tracked vehicle incidents. According to Usman, moving the bureau to the Presidency would: The proposal suggested that the NSIB report to the Presidency via the Office of the National Security Adviser, a strategic shift designed to enhance its operational independence and credibility. Presidential Approval On March 5, 2026, through his Private Secretary, Damilola Aderemi, President Tinubu formally approved Usman’s recommendation, signaling the end of the bureau’s operations under the Ministry of Aviation. This development aligns with earlier reports by The PUNCH, which indicated that the Federal Government, supported by the National Assembly, considered removing the NSIB from the Ministry of Aviation’s control. Transport sector stakeholders, including the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, had consistently advocated for placing the bureau under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Importance of Operational Independence The NSIB is responsible for investigating accidents across land, water, and air transportation in Nigeria. For years, the agency has sought enhanced funding, resources, and autonomy to improve its service delivery and investigative credibility. In June 2025, the Federal Ministry of Aviation opposed the National Assembly’s plan to relocate the NSIB, presenting its case during a public hearing organized by the joint committee on Special Duties and Aviation in Abuja. Then-Permanent Secretary Abubakar Kana argued that the bureau should remain under the ministry while strengthening its operational framework to ensure functional independence. Kana stated, “I recommend that the National Assembly and its relevant stakeholders should please retain the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau within the Federal Ministry of Aviation.” However, the Presidential approval now overrides this stance, reflecting a broader strategy to align Nigeria’s accident investigation protocols with global standards.
Six individuals sustained serious injuries following United Airlines Flight UA613’s emergency landing at Lagos airport. FAAN confirms swift rescue operations and ongoing investigations. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed that six individuals sustained serious injuries following an emergency landing by United Airlines Flight UA613 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday. Emergency Landing Details The United Airlines Boeing 787-8, which was headed to Washington Dulles International Airport from Lagos, had a total of 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots on board. According to FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, the flight departed MMIA at 11:59 PM on Thursday but had to return mid-air, landing safely at 3:22 AM on Friday. “All passengers and crew were safely evacuated. However, four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries. Additionally, 27 passengers and five crew members reported minor injuries,” Orah said. Rescue and Medical Response The FAAN Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Medical team, and Aviation Security were on standby at the airport. The aircraft parked without incident at Gate D31, and the doors were opened for evacuation at 3:37 AM. Passengers with serious injuries were promptly transported to medical facilities, including the MMA Clinic and Duchess Hospital in Ikeja. Those with minor injuries received first aid and were discharged shortly after. To ensure passenger welfare, other travelers were accommodated at a nearby hotel. Aircraft Condition and FAAN’s Statement FAAN confirmed that the aircraft did not sustain major damage during the incident. The agency pledged to release further updates as investigations into the cause of the emergency landing unfold. Conclusion This incident highlights the importance of swift and efficient emergency response at Nigerian airports. FAAN’s commitment to passenger safety and well-coordinated rescue efforts helped mitigate the potential impact of the emergency landing. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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An Allied Air Cargo plane with registration number 5N-JRT skidded off Runway 22 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, leading to a temporary suspension of airport activities. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed that the incident occurred at 10:05 a.m., involving five individuals on board. Fortunately, all passengers were safely evacuated without any injuries. Mrs. Obiageli Orah, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, issued a statement addressing the situation. “The Airport Emergency Response Team is actively managing the scene in collaboration with accident investigators. The runway is being cleared and is expected to reopen shortly. We appreciate the public’s patience and urge against speculation until the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) releases its preliminary findings.” As a precaution, the evacuees underwent medical checks at the FAAN clinic. Aviation stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, while efforts to restore normal operations are underway. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
