The Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO) has reported a significant leap in aviation safety standards across its member states, crediting sustained collaboration and enhanced oversight mechanisms for the progress.
BAGASOO, established in 2009, is a regional safety oversight body comprising Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Since its formation, the organisation has played a pivotal role in aligning member countries with international aviation safety protocols. According to its executive director, Jailza Soraya Silva this collective effort has seen the region’s safety profile improve from 40 per cent to 63 per cent.
Speaking in Abuja during the BAGASOO Safety Conference 2025, Silva noted that the two-day event, marking the organisation’s 15th anniversary, provided an opportunity to assess progress and chart new strategies. “Today, we have improved that figure to 63 per cent: a testament to the sustained efforts in building technical capacity and enhancing oversight mechanisms across our member states,” she said.
She added that the organisation’s recent expansion into aviation security oversight represents a significant milestone in regional aviation governance. “In addition to the $1 safety levy, we have also expanded BAGASOO’s mandate to include security oversight systems, a critical step in strengthening our aviation governance architecture,” Silva said.
The director -general of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and chairman of BAGASOO’s board of directors, Capt. Chris Najomo lauded the progress made. “This milestone is a testament to visionary leadership, dedication, and strategic partnerships that have sustained the organisation through changing times. As we reflect on our journey so far, let us recommit to deepening collaboration, embracing innovation and consolidating the gains we’ve made for a 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 role as a technical partner, providing regulatory guidance and capacity-building support. “Over the past year, we’ve supported BAGASOO with training, regulatory frameworks, and participation in regional initiatives. We’re here to exchange ideas and foster best practices,” he said.
Executive director of the Civil Aviation Safety Oversight Agency (CASOA) of the East African Community, Engr. Richard Gatete emphasised the importance of regional harmonisation. “The bigger question now is: how do we develop a unified regulatory framework for the entire African continent?” he asked, describing the conference as a vital springboard for integration under platforms like the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC).
Gatete commended the organisers for uniting stakeholders across Africa, calling the conference a concrete step toward building a safer, harmonised aviation landscape.
