The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has clarified its role in the investigation into the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of former Access Holdings CEO Herbert Wigwe, his wife, Doreen, their son, Chizi, and former NGX Group Chairman, Abimbola Ogunbanjo.

Speaking on Arise News Channel, NSIB Director-General, Captain Alex Bade Jr., said the bureau was not a co-investigator in the United States-led probe but participated as an “interested party” kept informed by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Bade said the NTSB’s preliminary report cited spatial disorientation as the probable cause and highlighted lapses in the helicopter operator’s safety management systems.

“It’s easy to blame the pilot, but there’s a system behind the pilot that should have mitigated these risks,” he noted.

Bade also addressed a recent US State Department comment alleging Nigerian airports are unsafe. While acknowledging challenges like inadequate perimeter fencing and occasional wildlife intrusions, he rejected the generalisation.

“Such issues are not unique to Nigeria. They occur in other countries, including the US,” he said, while commending efforts by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to improve safety infrastructure.

Commenting on a recent incident in Asaba where an aircraft reportedly encountered animals on the runway, Bade clarified that the plane continued safely to Abuja without damage. He said the NSIB would engage the airport’s private operators on best practices.

Bade also revealed that the NSIB now has an expanded mandate covering investigations into air, rail, road, and maritime accidents. Frameworks for maritime and rail investigations have already been completed.