The Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO), has said the safety profile of aviation safety among member States has improved exponentially.
BAGASOO, comprising Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
Since its establishment in 2009. BAGASOO’s support with the implementation of international safety protocols has helped to significantly improve safety in aviation within the region from 40% to 63%.
The Executive Director, BAGASOO, Jailza Soraya Rodrigues Silva who spoke Monday in Abuja during the BAGASOO Safety Conference 2025 in Abuja said “Today, we have improved that figure to 63%, a testament to the sustained efforts in building technical capacity and enhancing oversight mechanisms across our member states”, Silva stated.
The two-day event marked the 15th anniversary of the organization.
According to her, “This conference is an opportunity to reflect on our journey and shape the future of aviation safety in the BAG region.
“We have also expanded BAGASOO’s mandate to include security oversight systems, a significant milestone in strengthening our aviation governance architecture”, she said.
Declaring the conference open, Hon. Minister, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, CON, FCIArb. UK commended BAGASOO for its impactful contributions to aviation safety in the sub-region. Festus noted that BAGASOO has evolved into a model of regional cooperation, strengthening safety oversight, regulatory harmonization, and capacity building across its Member States.
He welcomed participants, especially international guests, and described the conference theme, “Consolidation on Current Gains for Enhancement of Aviation Safety”, as timely and urgent in view of growing air traffic, emerging threats, and technological advancement. Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting BAGASOO’s mission, stating that “together, we can build an aviation ecosystem that is resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking.”
Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Chairman, Board of Directors, BAGASOO, Capt Chris Najomo, described the milestone as a testament to the visionary leadership, dedication and strategic partnership that have sustained the organization through changing times.
“As we reflect on the journey so far, let us also recommit ourselves to the goals ahead which include deepening collaboration, embracing innovation and consolidating on gains we made for safer, more resilient aviation sector in our region”, he said.
Senior International Cooperation Officer for Sub-Saharan Africa at the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Yves Koniig, highlighted EASA’s partnership with BAGASOO.
“We are here to exchange knowledge on aviation safety and share best practices.
“Over the past year, we’ have supported BAGASOO with training, regulatory guidance, and active participation in regional initiatives”, Coniig said.
Also speaking, Executive Director of the Civil Aviation Safety Oversight Agency (CASOA) of the East African Community, Engineer Richard Gatete, noted the significance of the conference towards developing a unified regulatory framework for the entire African continent.
“Just like BAGASOO, CASOA promotes harmonisation among member states in the East African Community.
“But the bigger question now is: how do we develop a unified regulatory framework for the entire African continent?” Gatete posed.
He emphasised the importance of the conference as a platform for regional integration and learning.
“We are here to share our journey and to learn from BAGASOO’s progress. Eventually, we hope to consolidate these efforts under broader frameworks such as the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC)”. he added.
Gatete praised the organisers for bringing together key stakeholders from across the continent, calling the conference a “springboard for concrete action” toward more effective and harmonised aviation systems in Africa.
