BAGAIA Implements Establishment Of Board For Member States

LAGOS – The Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) has implemented the establishment of its Board, comprising heads of Accident Investigation Bureaus from member states.

This implementation was one of the several discussions at the ongoing BAGAIA 12th Commission Meeting in Abuja, a statement on Tuesday by Engr. Charles Irikefe Erhueh, Commissioner of BAGAIA said.

Erhueh explained that as parts of its functions, the board would provide policy direction to BAGAIA and streamline decision-making.

He clarified that a Chairman would be elected from among the members, while the BAGAIA Commissioner would serve as Board Secretary.

The statement hinted that the official document to establish this board was signed by the Council of Ministers in English by five member states on May 22, 2025.

He added that the implementation had taken full effect, and translations in French and Portuguese would be completed and endorsed by the Council of Ministers of member states during the 42nd Session of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in Montreal, Canada in September, 2025.

Also, the accord called for enhanced regional aviation safety cooperation among members.

Erhueh, said the agency had been creating synergy to unify West Africa through deeper collaboration, mentioning BAGAIA’s strategic partnerships with other regional bodies, including CASSOA in 2023 and SASO in 2024 as some of its activities in recent times.

He added: “These alignments have expanded cooperation beyond West Africa, extending to Eastern and Southern Africa.”

However, Erhueh identified funding as BAGAIA’s major challenge, regretting that inconsistent financial support from member states had slowed its progress.

Besides, he commended the determination shown by states to continue collaborating, learning, and growing despite constraints.

The opening session also featured key remarks by top officials including Mr. Fansu Bojang, Head of the Banjul Accord Group Secretariat.

“Let us recalibrate our focus and put the agency’s interests at the forefront. This meeting must enhance both individual and collective contributions. We expect nothing less,” he added.

He reaffirmed the BAG Secretariat’s commitment to sustained collaboration with BAGAIA to ensure the agency fulfills its safety mandate effectively.

Representing the host country, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr, Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), welcomed delegates and highlighted the importance of collective effort.

He cited Nigeria’s assistance to Liberia’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and efforts to support Ghana in developing a flight data analysis laboratory.

These actions, he said, illustrated BAGAIA’s success in capacity building and shared technical growth.

He added: “We are celebrating collective wins today. They showcase our dedication to building safer skies through knowledge sharing and mutual support.”

Badeh emphasised that regional aviation safety cooperation must evolve to address new threats, including bird strikes, operational risks, and emerging technologies.

He urged member states to approach the meeting with openness and professionalism.

Also, Mr. Yves Koning, EASA Regional Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, in his address to delegate, lauded the meeting’s themed: ‘Celebrating Our Collective Wins in Capacity Building and Aviation Safety in the BAG Region and Beyond,’ as timely and inspiring.

Koning noted that the EU-funded project supporting BAGAIA concludes July 31, 2025, but assured that cooperation would not end there.

“This is a key moment to reflect on achievements, confront persistent challenges, and guide the future of regional aviation safety cooperation,” he said.

The Abuja meeting is set to run several days, with representatives from Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia, Liberia, Cape Verde, and Sierra Leone. Discussions will cover performance reviews, future funding strategies, and enhanced investigative coordination.

Stakeholders are expected to draw up new resolutions to improve infrastructure, develop regional labs, and enhance investigator training.