The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the House of Representatives has assured of transparency and accountability in the ongoing investigation into the ill-fated helicopter that crashed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr. and Chairman, House Committee on Aviation and Aerospace Technology, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, stated this when they visited the scene of the crash to oversee the progress and of recovery and investigation operations.
This was contained in a press release, on Saturday, by the NSIB Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Olawunmi Oladeji.
The NSIB Director General and the federal lawmaker also reaffirmed the commitment of the government to a transparent and thorough inquiry into the accident to improve transport safety in Nigeria.
Recalled that the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, operated by East Winds Aviation, crashed off the coast of Bonny Finima, Port Harcourt on 24 October, 2024, while transporting eight individuals.
Since the accident, the NSIB, with support from local and international partners, has coordinated a search and recovery mission to locate the wreckage and examine the circumstances of the tragic crash.
As stated in the release, during the visit, Captain Badeh Jr. and Hon. Akinlade received updates from the multidisciplinary search and recovery team.
“They were briefed on recovery progress, as well as investigative procedures examining environmental factors, safety protocols and technical variables,” it was added in the release.
Captain Badeh reaffirmed the dedication of NSIB to transparency, underscoring the Bureau’s role in conducting an objective investigation.
“We are committed to uncovering the facts of this tragic incident. Our team is deploying the highest standards to ensure we bring clarity to the families affected, while enhancing safety measures that will benefit all Nigerians.
“Transparency and accountability guide this process as we work to bring closure to those impacted, and provide actionable recommendations to improve aviation safety,” he stated.
Hon. Akinlade also echoed the government’s commitment to supporting the recovery effort and NSIB’s mission, ensuring that the investigative findings contribute to safety reform.
He expressed condolences to the families affected. He also emphasised government’s duty to prioritise the welfare of all citizens who depend on safe transportation.
“This tragedy affects us all, and our thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones. The safety of our citizens and the integrity of our transport system are priorities for the National Assembly.
“We will ensure that insights and lessons from this investigation contribute to Nigeria’s aviation safety policies and broader transport safety initiatives,” Akinlade stated.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau also reaffirmed its commitment to transparency in its recovery and investigative processes.
