The Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO), a regional body dedicated to enhancing aviation safety and security in West Africa, celebrated its 15th anniversary with a renewed commitment to improving air travel standards. The Abuja-based organization, comprising Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, marked the occasion with its 2025 Safety Conference, bringing together aviation stakeholders to review accomplishments and map out future strategies. A significant outcome of the conference was the announcement of a $1 passenger safety levy, set to be implemented gradually over five years starting in January 2026. This levy, endorsed by the Council of Ministers, signifies a critical step towards strengthening BAGASOO’s financial autonomy and bolstering its capacity to implement vital safety and security measures.
BAGASOO’s 15-year journey has been marked by considerable progress in elevating aviation safety standards within the region. The implementation rate of international aviation safety protocols has climbed from 40% to 63%, a testament to the organization’s concerted efforts and collaborative initiatives. This improvement reflects the commitment of member states to enhance their aviation sectors and align with global best practices. The safety levy introduction further underscores this dedication, ensuring a dedicated funding stream for crucial safety enhancements, training programs, and infrastructure development. The organization’s success lies in its multi-pronged approach involving regulatory harmonization, capacity building, and international collaborations.
The 2025 Safety Conference provided a platform to showcase these achievements and highlight the importance of sustained regional collaboration. Jailza Soraya Rodrigues Silva, BAGASOO’s Executive Director, emphasized the significance of the safety levy in fortifying the organization’s governance structure and enabling more effective oversight of safety and security protocols. Capt. Chris Najomo, Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of BAGASOO’s Board of Directors, commended the organization’s progress, recognizing its contribution to a safer and more secure air travel environment within West Africa. International partnerships have also been instrumental in BAGASOO’s success, with organizations like the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) providing crucial support through training, regulatory guidance, and participation in regional initiatives.
EASA’s involvement, as confirmed by Yves Koniig, Senior International Cooperation Officer for Sub-Saharan Africa, demonstrates a broader international commitment to strengthening aviation safety in the region. This collaborative approach, pooling expertise and resources, has enabled BAGASOO to make significant strides in aligning its practices with global standards. The conference also highlighted the importance of a pan-African approach to aviation safety, with Richard Gatete, Executive Director of the Civil Aviation Safety Oversight Agency of the East African Community, advocating for a unified regulatory framework across the continent. This push for integration and shared learning underlines the recognition that aviation safety transcends regional boundaries and requires a cohesive continental strategy. The discussions at the conference underscored the need for collaborative efforts to build a robust and resilient aviation sector across Africa.
Nigeria, a key member state of BAGASOO, reaffirmed its commitment to the organization’s mission. Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, speaking through Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, pledged continued support for BAGASOO’s initiatives, emphasizing the shared vision of building a sustainable and forward-looking aviation ecosystem. This commitment underscores the recognition of aviation’s pivotal role in economic development and regional integration. The conference also served as a platform to announce the 1st Nigeria International Airshow, slated for December 2-4, 2025, in either Lagos or Abuja. This event is positioned as a key forum for showcasing innovations, fostering partnerships, and promoting intra-African trade and investment within the aviation sector.
In conclusion, BAGASOO’s 15th anniversary marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of enhanced aviation safety and security in West Africa. The introduction of the passenger safety levy, coupled with continued regional and international collaboration, provides a strong foundation for future progress. The organization’s achievements demonstrate the effectiveness of a collaborative approach to addressing complex challenges in the aviation sector. The focus on regional integration and the development of a unified regulatory framework for Africa signal a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of aviation safety and the need for a continental strategy. The upcoming Nigeria International Airshow further solidifies the commitment to promoting innovation and investment within the African aviation industry, setting the stage for continued growth and development in the years to come. The combined efforts of BAGASOO and its partners hold the promise of a safer, more secure, and more vibrant aviation landscape for West Africa and the continent as a whole.
