THE Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation and Aerospace Technology, have reaffirmed government’s commitment to a transparent and thorough inquiry into the accident involving the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter (5N BQG) to improve transport safety in Nigeria.
The chopper carrying oil workers crashed last Thursday after leaving Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Officials said five bodies of the eight passengers and crew members have been recovered so far.
In an update statement by the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Bimbo Oladeji, the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, said the Director General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation and Aerospace Technology, and Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, who visited the accident site to oversee the progress of recovery and investigation operations on behalf of the government, would ensure transparent and thorough inquiry into the accident.
The helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation, ditched off the coast of Bonny Finima on October 24, 2024, while transporting eight individuals.
Since the accident, the NSIB said with support from local and international partners, it has coordinated a search and recovery mission to locate the wreckage and examine the circumstances of this tragic event.
The helicopter is believed to have crashed into the Atlantic Ocean.
During the visit, the statement said both Captain Badeh Jr. and Hon. Akinlade received updates from the multidisciplinary search and recovery team.
The officials were briefed on recovery progress, as well as investigative procedures examining environmental factors, safety protocols, and technical variables.
Captain Badeh reaffirmed NSIB’s dedication to transparency, underscoring the Bureau’s role in conducting an objective 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. 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 echoed the government’s commitment to supporting the recovery effort and NSIB’s mission, ensuring that the investigative findings contribute to safety reform.
Expressing condolences to the families affected, he emphasized the government’s duty to prioritise the welfare of all citizens who depend on safe transportation:
“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. We will ensure that insights and lessons from this investigation contribute to Nigeria’s aviation safety policies and broader transport safety initiatives.
“The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau remains committed to transparency in its recovery and investigative processes,” the statement added.