The Banjul Accord Group (BAG), a vital alliance of West African nations dedicated to fostering collaboration in civil aviation, recently convened in Abuja, Nigeria, for its 18th Plenary Session and Council of Ministers Meeting. Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, underscored the pressing need to move beyond rhetoric and actively implement the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). He stressed the importance of open skies policies and the removal of cross-border barriers to promote regional integration and growth within the aviation sector. Keyamo’s call to action emphasized the urgency of transitioning from declarations of intent to concrete implementation to unlock the full potential of the African aviation market. He highlighted the slow progress in implementing SAATM despite the evident political will and numerous declarations, emphasizing the need for concerted action to dismantle the persistent fragmentation that hinders regional integration.
The minister commended the BAG framework for its significant role in advancing aviation standards and facilitating regional integration. He noted the achievements facilitated by the group, including the transition of the Cooperative Development of Operational Safety and Continuing Airworthiness Programme – Banjul Accord Group (COSCAP-BAG) into the Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO) and the establishment of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA). Keyamo further advocated for the institutionalization of BAG as a permanent and fully structured entity, arguing that this formalization would enhance its efficacy in guiding the aviation sector towards amplified efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness. He envisioned a structured BAG as a cornerstone of excellence within the African aviation landscape.
The minister’s closing remarks reinforced Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the BAG and its core tenets of cooperation, safety, and integration, signifying the nation’s dedication to the collective advancement of aviation in the region. The Abuja meeting, hosted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), provided a platform for member states to deliberate on critical challenges and opportunities within the African aviation landscape. Keyamo’s emphasis on institutionalizing BAG reflects a broader recognition of the need for stronger regional bodies to drive sustainable growth and development within the aviation sector.
Captain Chris Najomo, Director-General of the NCAA, echoed the minister’s sentiments, expressing Nigeria’s pride in hosting the pivotal meeting and acknowledging the collective efforts of BAG states in enhancing safety, regulatory harmonization, and sustainable aviation practices. He underscored the meeting as a testament to the shared commitment towards bolstering aviation safety, security, regulatory synergy, and sustainable growth across the region. Najomo traced the historical trajectory of the BAG cooperation, recalling the seminal moment in 2009 when ministers of civil aviation from the seven BAG states formalized the establishment of BAGASOO and BAGAIA. He praised the rapid establishment of these crucial institutions as a powerful demonstration of the region’s dedication to improving aviation safety and oversight.
Najomo then directed attention to the current challenges facing the aviation sector, including infrastructure deficits, personnel shortages, emerging safety risks, and the imperative for digital transformation. He called for collaborative solutions to these pressing issues, urging members to leverage the plenary session as a space for open dialogue, experience sharing, and concerted action. He reaffirmed BAG’s role as a beacon of sub-regional cooperation and stressed the importance of unity in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the aviation industry.
The 18th Plenary Session served as a vital platform for reflection, renewal, and collective action within the BAG. The discussions underscored the importance of moving beyond policy declarations and towards tangible implementation of key initiatives like the SAATM. The emphasis on institutionalizing BAG signifies a pivotal step toward establishing a robust and enduring framework capable of driving long-term growth and sustainability within the African aviation sector. The meeting also provided a crucial forum for addressing the complex challenges and opportunities present within the evolving aviation landscape, including infrastructure development, safety enhancements, and the ongoing process of digital transformation. The shared commitment to collaboration and unified action expressed by member states offers a promising outlook for the future of aviation in the region.
