The Director-General of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., has disclosed that plans are underway to procure breathalysers and other certified testing kits to test crew members for drugs.
He said the devices and other equipment would allow investigators from the Bureau to conduct preliminary tests at accident sites before sending samples to laboratories.
He also defended the Bureau’s handling of toxicology findings connected to one of the domestic airline’s crew, stating the Bureau did not claim the involved pilots were drunk.
He explained that tests detected ethyl glucuronide, an alcohol by-product that may indicate recent consumption, but the result did not establish when the alcohol was consumed.
Another test returned a positive result for THC, and the matter is left for the appropriate authorities to examine.
He said, “The Bureau is also working to improve its testing capability through the acquisition of breathalysers and certified testing kits that could allow preliminary tests to be conducted at accident sites before samples are sent to laboratories.”
Badeh said the NSIB would remain focused on facts established through investigation and on preventing future accidents.
“We’re not worried about the media or an airline disparaging our reports. We are here to be apolitical and unbiased”.
He said the NSIB would continue to work with regulators, operators, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that lessons from accident investigations translate into stronger safety standards across Nigeria’s transportation system.
SOURCE: THENATION
