Seven African countries under the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) have proposed the introduction of a $1 Passenger Safety Charge (PSC) on all originating international flight tickets as a sustainable funding mechanism aimed at enhancing aviation safety oversight and regulatory capacity across member states.
The proposal, adopted at the 18th Plenary Session of BAG, which concluded Wednesday in Abuja, is part of broader efforts to address the group’s longstanding financial challenges. The three-day plenary session, hosted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), brought together aviation officials and ministers from all seven member states: Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Gambia, Cape Verde and Sierra Leone.
BAG has struggled with irregular financial contributions from member states, resulting in limited funding for critical safety oversight and accident investigation activities. Nigeria has remained the group’s primary financier, shouldering a significant portion of BAG’s operational costs. With the proposed PSC, BAG aims to secure a stable and independent funding stream that reduces reliance on inconsistent member-state payments.
According to the plenary report, the $1 PSC is scheduled for phased implementation beginning January 1, 2026, with full rollout expected by 2030. This transition period will allow for necessary amendments to national legislations and administrative processes. Once fully implemented, the PSC will replace existing annual contributions from member countries.
Speaking during the session, the director-general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo highlighted the significance of the proposal. He noted that the charge, if adopted by all member states, would not only enhance the financial sustainability of BAG, BAGASOO (BAG Safety Oversight Organisation), and BAGAIA (BAG Accident Investigation Agency) but also facilitate broader regional aviation initiatives.
Najomo emphasised that improved funding would directly support the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD), two continental policies designed to liberalise African skies, boost intra-African connectivity and reduce airfares.
He added that the ministers of aviation from the member states would convene on Thursday to further deliberate on the PSC recommendation and finalise conclusions for presentation to their respective governments.
Addressing the current connectivity challenges within Africa, Najomo stressed the need to eliminate restrictions between BAG member states to encourage interlining and greater route integration. He acknowledged the issue of limited aviation capacity in several countries, citing that many have only one or two operational airlines, or none at all.
“For example, Sierra Leone just recently issued its first Air Operator Certificate (AOC), facilitated by Nigeria. A Nigerian airline is flying their flag as Air Sierra Leone. Nigeria has 13 scheduled domestic operators. Some countries barely have one,” he noted.
Najomo reaffirmed Nigeria’s continued commitment to supporting fellow African nations in building aviation capacity. “We must collaborate more. Nigeria is seen as the ‘big brother’ because of our ongoing technical and regulatory support. We’ve signed multiple MoUs with BAG countries, which will significantly support the implementation of SAATM,” he stated.
The plenary also welcomed the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) renewed support. The report acknowledged that EASA has increased its funding to BAG from €5 million to €10 million, a move expected to further strengthen the group’s regulatory and safety frameworks.
Additionally, member states agreed to intensify awareness campaigns to encourage airlines and aviation service providers to join the BAG. “We must ensure broader participation for mutual collaboration,” the report emphasised.
The introduction of the PSC and these broader collaborative strategies are expected to enhance regional aviation safety, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability within the BAG framework.
