The Nigerian railway sector’s current practice of conducting internal investigations into accidents has come under intense scrutiny, with former Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Engineer Seyi Sijuwade, vehemently condemning the approach. Speaking at a national transportation safety workshop, Sijuwade argued that self-investigations compromise transparency, facilitate cover-ups, and ultimately endanger public safety. He highlighted the inherent conflict of interest that arises when organizations responsible for railway operations are also tasked with investigating incidents potentially stemming from their own negligence or operational shortcomings. This self-regulating structure, he argued, fosters a culture of fear and self-preservation, ultimately hindering the identification of root causes and the implementation of effective safety reforms.
Sijuwade’s critique centers on the compromised objectivity inherent in internal investigations. He pointed to instances where operational staff, including train drivers, demonstrate loyalty to their superiors, leading to biased reporting that protects those in charge of maintenance and operations, even when their actions or inactions contribute to accidents. This loyalty, born out of a fear of reprisal, often results in skewed reports, suppression of crucial findings, and even the disappearance of critical evidence. He asserted that such an environment of fear and self-protection prevents a thorough and impartial assessment of the factors contributing to accidents, thereby hindering the implementation of effective safety measures and perpetuating a cycle of preventable incidents. The current system, he argued, prioritizes institutional self-preservation over the pursuit of truth and the safety of the public.
To address these critical flaws, Sijuwade advocated for a fundamental shift in the investigative process. He called for the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to assume the lead role in all transport-related accident investigations, emphasizing the importance of an independent body free from the influence of operational pressures and internal hierarchies. He stressed that the NSIB’s primary objective should be to uncover the underlying causes of accidents and prevent their recurrence, rather than assigning blame. This shift, he argued, requires a clear separation between operational responsibilities and investigative functions, mirroring international best practices observed in countries like the United Kingdom, where separate entities handle investigation, regulation, and operations within the rail sector.
Sijuwade proposed a multifaceted approach to reforming the current system. First, he emphasized the importance of establishing a robust and independent investigative body, modeled on the UK’s Railway Accident Investigation Branch, with the sole mandate of investigating accidents and making safety recommendations. Second, he called for the creation of a separate enforcement agency to ensure that the NSIB’s recommendations are not merely published but actively implemented. This agency, he suggested, should have the authority to accredit, monitor, and enforce compliance with safety regulations, holding railway operators accountable for implementing necessary corrective actions. This separation of powers, he argued, is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of safety recommendations and preventing future incidents.
Public engagement, Sijuwade emphasized, is another crucial element of a robust safety system. He highlighted the reluctance of both passengers and frontline workers to report safety concerns due to fear of retaliation. To address this, he advocated for the establishment of protected, anonymous reporting mechanisms and robust legal safeguards for whistleblowers. Creating a culture where individuals feel safe reporting potential hazards, without fear of reprisal, is essential for proactively identifying and mitigating risks before they escalate into accidents. This, he believes, will foster a safety-conscious environment where everyone plays a role in preventing incidents.
Furthermore, Sijuwade stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration in accident response. He urged the NSIB to formalize agreements with emergency agencies, including the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and fire service, to ensure a coordinated and effective response to accidents across all modes of transportation. Such coordination is crucial for minimizing casualties, preserving evidence, and facilitating a swift and effective investigation. He concluded by emphasizing the need for ongoing collaboration, full transparency in publishing findings, and open communication with the public to build a credible and effective safety system. This commitment to transparency and accountability, he asserted, is essential for restoring public trust and ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of Nigeria’s railway network.
