BAGAIA enhances air safety oversight with new governance framework

The 12th Commission Meeting of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) has concluded in Abuja, Nigeria, with a renewed commitment to regional collaboration in aviation safety and the formal establishment of a new Board of Directors.

The Board, made up of the heads of accident investigation bureaus from member states, will provide strategic policy direction, oversee the activities of the BAGAIA Commissioner, and enhance decision-making.

The official agreement was signed by five member states on May 22, 2025, and has taken effect. Translations into French and Portuguese will be endorsed by the Council of Ministers during the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal this September.

BAGAIA Commissioner, Engr. Charles Irikefe Erhueh, noted the agency’s growing influence through partnerships with East and Southern African safety bodies such as CASSOA and SASO. He identified funding as a key challenge but commended member states for their resilience and cooperation.

The opening session featured remarks from Mr. Fansu Bojang, Head of the Banjul Accord Group Secretariat, and Captain Alex Badeh Jr, Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), who highlighted successful collaborations, including Nigeria’s support to Liberia and Ghana.

Mr. Yves Koning, EASA Regional Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, reaffirmed EU support and praised the progress made under the EU-funded BAGAIA project, set to conclude on July 30, 2025.

The two-day meeting brought together representatives from Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia, Liberia, Cape Verde, and Sierra Leone, focusing on performance reviews, funding strategies, and improved investigative cooperation. Future initiatives include developing regional labs and enhancing investigator training.

This meeting marks a significant step forward in BAGAIA’s mission to promote safer skies across the West African region and beyond.

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