The Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO) is seeking alternative sources of income to supplement contributions from member states and ensure its continued operations.
At the same time, the organisation has called on member states to prioritise the payment of their financial obligations to enhance its efficiency.
The chairman of the board of directors and director-general of Civil Aviation, Nigeria, Capt. Chris Najomo made this known while declaring open the 29th Board of Directors meeting in Abuja, Nigeria. Speaking at the two-day meeting, Najomo emphasised that strengthening BAGASOO’s governance, financial integrity and operational effectiveness remains a key priority.
BAGASOO comprises Nigeria, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The organisation is tasked with enhancing the safety oversight capabilities of its member states and improving air transport safety within the region by pooling resources.
Najomo stressed that the financial stability of BAGASOO depends on the timely and complete payment of contributions by member states. He explained that these funds are essential for sustaining operations, implementing critical programmes and effectively fulfilling the organisation’s mandate. He further urged for the swift conclusion of the ongoing financial investigation into BAGASOO’s accounts, emphasising the need for transparency, due process, and integrity.
In her remarks, BAGASOO’s executive director, Jailza Soraya Rodrigues Silva stated that the organisation has taken decisive steps to strengthen financial controls and mitigate the risks of mismanagement. She highlighted key measures such as reinforcing internal auditing processes, enhancing financial reporting mechanisms for greater transparency, implementing stricter budgetary controls and ensuring compliance with regulatory financial standards.
Silva also pointed out the urgent need to recruit skilled personnel to bridge operational gaps. According to her, vacancies in key positions have hindered efficient decision-making and service delivery. She stressed that expediting the recruitment process and retaining highly skilled professionals is crucial for BAGASOO’s long-term success.
Adding her voice, former regional legal adviser at BAGASOO and the current director of legal services at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Barr. Mary Tufano acknowledged that while the organisation faces financial challenges, efforts are being made to address them. She reiterated the importance of member states meeting their financial commitments to ensure the sustainability of BAGASOO’s operations.
