The newly-appointed director-general of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Capt. Alex Badeh Jr. has assumed his role and revealed the role of revealing a forward-looking vision focused on proactive safety measures and transformative advancements in transport safety.
Taking over from the former MD, Engr. Akin Olateru, Badeh outlined his commitment to steering the NSIB away from merely investigating tragedies to actively preventing transportation accidents. During a handover ceremony at the bureau’s head office in Abuja, he articulated his vision of harnessing data, technology and human ingenuity to ensure every journey is undertaken with peace of mind and the assurance of a safe return.
“We will build a future where every mile traversed comes with the assurance of a safe return. The NSIB, under my administration, will not only react to transportation accidents but will proactively prevent them from occurring,” Badeh Jnr. affirmed.
The director-general highlighted the key pillars of his administration, emphasising steadfast commitment to excellence, inter-agency collaboration, transparency, accountability and the promotion of safety awareness and education. He envisions NSIB becoming a partner, educator and advocate for transport safety, engaging stakeholders at every level to transform Nigeria into a land where every journey is safe.
“I implore the NSIB team for their support, cooperation, hard work, expertise, commitment, passion, and professionalism. These are the fuels that will make my vision for the bureau a success,” Badeh Jnr. urged.
Calling for support from every stakeholder and Nigerian citizen, he emphasised the need to make safety a way of life and build a transport safety system where every journey is taken with assurance.
The outgoing director-general, Olateru, expressed gratitude to God for a successful tenure, leaving the NSIB in a better state than he found it. He noted the transformation of the bureau into an enviable place to work, a departure from its previous reputation.
“AIB used to be a place where they sent people that they wanted to punish but, today, we have people from other agencies lobbying, on their own, to come to the NSIB,” Olateru remarked.
Badeh Jr., a seasoned aviation professional, brings over 6000 flight hours as both captain and first officer to his new role. With a background in biological sciences from the University of Wolverhampton, England, he has served in various capacities, piloting aircraft for reputable airlines such as American Airlines, American Eagle, Arik Air and Aero Contractors Nigeria Ltd.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Badeh Jnr. is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the aviation industry. He has actively contributed to shaping policies for equitable opportunities and mental health awareness within the industry, earning accolades for his commitment to safety and mentorship.
The NSIB under Badeh Jr. is set to usher in a new era of safety, innovation and collaboration in Nigeria’s transport sector.
