The investigation bureau raises concerns over the impact of new tax laws on the operation

The Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Captain Alex Badeh, has warned that the recent Revenue Tax Act (IGR) was implemented internally could influence the agency’s ability to carry out its mandate.

Speaking during the virtual media briefing on Thursday, Badeh revealed that the bureau is currently reviewing the law to assess its implications. He, however, noted that the initial findings showed that the law was a significant challenge to the agency operation.

“This is a potential problem, but we are proactive, and the ministry of aviation is also very proactive. Let’s see how it happened before enforcement,” he said, adding that the Ministry of Aviation was involved with the Federal Government to overcome this problem before the implementation began.

Apart from this concern, Badeh outlines the recent bureau steps in improving transportation safety, describing the implementation of NSIB Establishment Act 2022 as a “game-Changer” that can reduce incidents and accidents throughout the Nigerian multimodal transportation system.

He stressed the need for cooperation from the main institutions, including the Nigerian maritime administration and the Safety Agency (Nimasa), to harmonize with international safety standards. According to him, the NSIB has compiled important regulations, Maritime Safety Investigation Regulations 2025, Railroad Regulations (Accident and Investigation) 2024, and Civil Aviation Regulations (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) 2025, which are waiting for approval before implementation.

In concerns about the overlapping of the mandate with Nimasa, Badeh clarified that NSIB fills a critical gap by ensuring independent safety investigations in accordance with the best global practices. He noted that the bureau was recognized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and in collaboration with international colleagues.

Badeh also revealed that the NSIB would stick to the maritime and railroad sector investigators between September and October. Bureau, he said, is very attractive to professionals, retirees, and personnel who are experienced from Nimasa and National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), while also sending staff for special training in the UK.

He further revealed that the NSIB has a framework agreement with the Nigerian Navy to support maritime investigations and declare optimism that Nimasa will soon cooperate with the bureau. He added that Nigerian Railway Corporation and Niwa had shown the willingness to work with NSIB.

Badeh emphasized that the agency’s investigation was aimed at determining the cause rather than giving an error, but did not obstruct the civil, criminal, or administrative processes if it applies.