By Ignatius Ushie
The Director General, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Engr. Akin Olateru, has urged journalists to promote the transportation safety network and its growth and development across the country through proper reportage of occurrences at all times.
Olateru gave the advice to the new executive members of the Abuja Transport and Aviation Correspondents Association(ATACA) who recently paid him a courtesy visit at the Bureau’s Head office in Abuja.
The DG who emphasised the critical role journalists play in the dissemination of accurate information derived from investigations and final reports of occurrence, stated that their reportage has greatly improved the image and the general well-being of the Bureau and Nigeria as a whole.
While appreciating the media for the critical role they played in the actualisation of the establishment of the NSIB, Olateru called for the continuous support of the media and other stakeholders in the fulfilment of the Bureau’s new mandate of investigating accident and serious incidents that occur in the air, rail, marine and other modes of transportation in Nigeria.
“Nigeria as a country should move in line with the world by separating the regulatory body from the investigating body, so as to avoid conflict of interest, and ensure objectivity in what we do.
“Unlike in the past when there was no investigation into the cause of transportation mishaps and the authorities were more focused on punishing the offenders, the new NSIB will carry out independent investigations of transportation occurrences, determine the causal factor and proffer safety recommendations to prevent reoccurrence.
“The Bureau is at the critical level of the bills implementation and this is the time we need your assistance, need your cooperation, we need your commitment, we need your understanding and professionalism, in pursuing the noble objective,” he said.
Speaking, the Chairman of the ATACA, Mr. Oru Leonard, expressed appreciation for the support and assistance the Bureau, under the current leadership of Engr. Olateru, has demonstrated towards its members, especially in the area of training of its members on accident investigation reportage.
Leonard noted that the training really informed them about the processes and procedures of accident investigation and how to better inform the public about accidents and incident occurrences in a more professional and concise manner that would not instil fear or cause havoc.
Oru, however, called for more of such gestures and support of ATACA’s activities by the Bureau, saying a deeper collaboration and partnership between the two organisations will be mutually beneficial to both parties.
It will be recalled that last year, the Bureau, in collaboration with Southern California Safety Institute (SCSI), organised a week-long training titled “Investigation Management- Media Relations” for the Abuja correspondents.
A similar training had previously been organised by the Bureau for aviation correspondents in Lagos.
