The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is partnering Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to enhance safety in the rail and road sector.
NSIB also disclosed that plans are underway to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the two organisations for effective road and rail management.
This is just as the Bureau assured that investigation into the causal and contributory factors of the March 9, 2023 train and bus accident in Lagos is ongoing.
The Director General, NSIB, Mr. Akin Olateru Speaking during courtesy visits to the two organizations in Lagos said, its report, which would be made public soon would include safety recommendations to both parties on how a recurrence could be avoided in the future.
He said “We have 45 well-trained investigators who are well-trained in the United States, Singapore Academy and others. So, we do what we do well. It takes time to carry out an investigation.
“All the accidents and serious incidents that we have investigated in the past, we made them public. There is no hiding of anything, but the thing is we don’t blame anyone. We have the causal and contributory factors that would tell you why the accident happened.”
The Director-General NSIB also sought partnership between NSIB and LASEMA on capacity building, training and exchange of ideas.
“We wish to partner with your organization. Let’s partner effectively and efficiently. You can use your money to build us up. You won’t regret it. I pioneered LASEMA in 2005 due to the bomb blast of January 27, 2002, which occurred in Lagos”.
Managing Director, NRC, Mr. Fidet Okhiria, expressed readiness to work with NSIB, adding that the coming onboard of the bureau would improve safety of lives and equipment, while recurrence would also be prevented.
Reporting by Nosa Aituamen;Editing by Fany Olumoye and Julian Osamoto