Following the recent Sikorsky SK76 helicopter accident off the coast of Bonny Finima, senior officials from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation and Aerospace Technology have pledged transparency and accountability in the ongoing investigation.
The helicopter, with registration 5N BQG and operated by Eastwind Aviation, was carrying eight individuals when it ditched on October 24, 2024.
NSIB, supported by local and international partners, has since launched an extensive search and recovery mission to determine the cause of the incident.
In a visit to the accident site, NSIB Director General Captain Alex Badeh Jr. and Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, reviewed recovery efforts and received updates from the investigative team. Both officials emphasized the government’s dedication to a thorough, transparent inquiry aimed at enhancing safety measures in Nigeria’s transport sector.
Captain Badeh Jr. highlighted the NSIB’s commitment to objectivity, stressing that the Bureau is prioritizing transparency throughout the 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,” he stated. “Transparency and accountability guide this process as we work to bring closure to those impacted and provide actionable recommendations to improve aviation safety.”
Hon. Akinlade expressed his condolences to the families affected and reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to ensuring safe transport for all citizens. He underscored the investigation’s importance for future policy reform. “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,” Akinlade said. “We will ensure that insights and lessons from this investigation contribute to Nigeria’s aviation safety policies and broader transport safety initiatives.”
The investigation team is currently assessing a range of factors, including environmental conditions, safety protocols, and technical aspects, to understand the circumstances leading up to the incident. The NSIB, in cooperation with experts from both Nigeria and abroad, has set a high standard for transparency and thoroughness in this case.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau remains dedicated to informing the public and ensuring a fair and objective process. Once complete, this investigation’s findings are expected to provide critical insights for enhancing aviation safety and preventing future accidents.
