The Network for the Actualization of Social Growth and Viable Development, a civic organization, has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately dismiss the Director General of the Nigerian Safety and Investigation Bureau, Mr. Alex Badeh Jr., in light of the recent controversy over a toxicology report involving Air Peace.

The call was made by NEFGAD’s acting head of office, Barrister Unekwu Blessing Ojo, during a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

NEFGAD expressed serious concerns over the recent controversy surrounding the toxicology report released by the NSIB and the strong denial issued by Air Peace.

The organization said the developments have further undermined confidence in the credibility, professionalism, and operational integrity of the Bureau under its current leadership.

NEFGAD called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately dismiss Badeh Jr; to allow for a thorough investigation aimed at restoring public trust in Nigeria’s air safety agency.

Ojo who emphasized the organization’s role as a critical stakeholder in the aviation sector, committed to transparency, accountability, and public safety.

She expressed profound disappointment in how the NSIB handled the highly sensitive investigation into the July 2024 runway incursion incident involving an Air Peace aircraft.

Barrister Ojo stressed that the NSIB, as Nigeria’s aviation watchdog, must conduct investigations with utmost precision, neutrality, and scientific rigor.

Any real or perceived lapses, she warned, undermine public trust and threatens confidence from both domestic and international partners in Nigeria’s air safety oversight.

She added that the conflicting narratives, delayed reporting, and counterclaims from Air Peace are troubling and unprecedented for the Bureau, raising legitimate doubts about its internal processes, adherence to global best practices, and ability to professionally execute its statutory mandate since Mr. Badeh Jr. became Director General.

Barrister Ojo concluded that at a critical time when Nigeria is striving to ensure air safety for its citizens and attract global investment, the nation cannot afford an aviation investigative body whose leadership and operations generate controversy rather than confidence.

She said, “In view of the foregoing, the group call for the immediate resignation of the Director-General of the NSIB. This action is essential to restore public trust, protect the integrity of ongoing and future investigations, and pave the way for a transparent review of the Bureau’s operational standards.

“NEFGAD further urge the President to initiate an independent assessment of the NSIB – its leadership structure, investigative protocols, and quality control mechanisms using the Airpeace runway incursion as a test case and ensure that the agency is repositioned for credible, world-class performance.”

NEFGAD vowed to pursue mass protests and possible legal action if Mr. Badeh fails to comply with its call to resign, insisting that Nigeria’s aviation safety institutions must operate above reproach and that leadership accountability is non-negotiable.