The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB)) has unveiled a revised Conditions of Service (CoS) package designed to attract and retain specialised professionals in transport safety investigation while improving staff welfare and productivity.
The reforms were announced in Abuja during the official presentation of the new framework, which has already been approved by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
According to the Director-General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jnr., the new structure introduces a shift from the long-criticised Annual Performance Evaluation Report (APER) system to a more modern Performance Management System (PMS), which he said is better aligned with productivity and global standards.
He explained that the agency is prioritising both meritocracy and staff wellbeing, noting that investigators often operate under high-risk and high-stress conditions that require structured psychological and financial support.
One of the major highlights of the new policy is the introduction of trauma risk management and post-incident psychological care, including “mental-day offs” for staff affected by investigation duties.
The conditions of service also include expanded financial benefits such as vehicle loans equivalent to a full year’s total emolument, repayable over eight years at 5 per cent interest, as well as housing loans structured over a 10-year repayment period.
In addition, NSIB introduced a family-focused welfare package featuring 112 working days of fully paid maternity leave, alongside paternity leave provisions that can be accessed up to four times during an officer’s career.
The bureau also approved full medical coverage for retirees and their families for three years after service, as part of efforts to strengthen post-retirement welfare for public safety professionals.
Captain Badeh stated that the reforms are designed to build a resilient workforce capable of meeting global safety investigation standards.
He added that the agency is aligning its operational framework with international institutions such as the United Kingdom’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and the United States’ National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
According to him, the goal is to position NSIB as a globally competitive safety investigation body with strong institutional capacity and improved staff motivation.
The reforms are expected to reshape internal operations, strengthen talent retention, and enhance the bureau’s ability to respond to transport safety incidents across Nigeria.
