NSIB, Benue Partner To Strengthen Inland Waterway Safety
ABUJA – The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Benue State Government have begun discussions to establish a long-term partnership aimed at improving transport safety and building institutional capacity to support the safe development of the state’s maritime and blue economy.
The commitment was reached during a meeting in Abuja between the Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., and the Benue State Commissioner for Maritime and Blue Economy, Denis Ter Iyaghigba.
The engagement follows the Bureau’s earlier visit to Makurdi after a boat accident on the River Benue that claimed 11 lives. During the visit, NSIB officials conducted safety assessments, met with Governor Hyacinth Alia, community leaders and boat operators, and pledged support for strengthening safety on the state’s inland waterways.
Speaking during the meeting, Captain Badeh said the Bureau was focused on preventing accidents through strategic partnerships, technical cooperation and capacity development.
He noted that while the Makurdi visit was prompted by a tragic incident, it created an opportunity for meaningful collaboration with the Benue State Government.
According to him, the NSIB’s mandate goes beyond investigating transport accidents to promoting preventive measures through knowledge sharing, institutional strengthening and the adoption of global safety standards.
“The Bureau remains committed to working with governments and stakeholders that are determined to build safer transportation systems,” he said.
On his part, Commissioner Iyaghigba described the partnership as a significant step toward developing Benue’s inland waterways while ensuring the safety of commuters and operators.
He commended the NSIB for its prompt response following the recent boat accident, describing the Bureau’s intervention as both professional and compassionate.
Iyaghigba said the collaboration would focus on strengthening safety policies, training personnel, promoting a strong safety culture and adopting international best practices to unlock the economic potential of the state’s waterways without compromising public safety.
The Benue delegation included the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Charles Ikyaave; the Commissioner’s Special Adviser (Technical), Dr. Harris Dera; and the Head of Media, Publicity and Orientation, Lubem Gena.
As part of the visit, the delegation toured the NSIB’s accident investigation laboratories and specialised technical facilities, where they were briefed on the Bureau’s investigative procedures and safety analysis capabilities.
