Presidency, NSIB craft new funding model

By Dickson Omobola

Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, has disclosed that it is working with the Presidency to develop a more sustainable funding framework for the agency.

Director-General of the NSIB, Capt Alex Badeh Jr, also opposed the proposed bill seeking to reduce the agency’s share of the Ticket Sales Charge, TSC, from six per cent to four per cent, saying the move would weaken its capacity to investigate accidents and enhance transportation safety.

Addressing newsmen during a virtual media briefing, Badeh said no investment in accident investigation was excessive, adding that safety should never be compromised.

He also disclosed that the NSIB had yet to receive its statutory six per cent share of the TSC since April or May, but efforts were underway to resolve the funding shortfall.

His words: “We get six per cent which is the lowest percentage of all the agencies. I saw the bill, and I am not sure what is going on. Someone proposed that our six per cent be reduced to four per cent. I am not sure what the rationale is. But if you think safety is expensive, try an accident. These agencies and people who refuse to pay money and are saying it (the money) is too much should know that we all work for the same people in Nigeria, the taxpayers.

“I don’t see most of them investigating accidents, because they still call us to investigate accidents. With this proposed reduction, it will negatively affect the NSIB. With regard to the other agencies that are supposed to give the NSIB money or fund the NSIB, everybody has their take on it and their arguments. But I do not think it is a workable or perfect solution. Right now, we are working with the presidency on a more sustainable funding formula for the NSIB.

“I am not sure how it will look. But we are talking with the Nigeria Revenue Service, NRS, and the presidency to figure this out. As you know, we are supposed to get the six per cent TSC, but we haven’t received it. There have been shortfalls with that too, I think from May or April, but we are working on that. I am hoping that with the new year and new budget, once we get a new budget code, and once everything is said and done, we should be able to figure out our funding situation.”