BAGASOO introduces $1 passenger safety levy for West Africa

• West Africa’s aviation safety improves from 40% to 63%

From Sola Ojo, Abuja

The Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO) has introduced a $1 passenger safety levy as part of major reforms to enhance aviation safety and security oversight across its member states.

The decision, recently ratified by the Council of Ministers of the seven-member regional aviation body, will take effect from January 1, 2026, and be phased in over five years across the region.

BAGASOO comprises Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.

The Executive Director of BAGASOO, Jailza Soraya Rodrigues Silva, disclosed this during an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the BAGASOO Safety Conference 2025, currently underway at a hotel in Abuja. The two-day event marks the 15th anniversary of the organisation.

According to her, “This conference is an opportunity to reflect on our journey and shape the future of aviation safety in the BAG region.

“In addition to the $1 safety levy, we have also expanded BAGASOO’s mandate to include security oversight systems, a significant milestone in strengthening our aviation governance architecture,” she said.

Silva noted that when BAGASOO was established in 2009, the region had an effective implementation rate of approximately 40% for international aviation safety standards, as measured by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

“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.

Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of BAGASOO, Capt. Chris Najomo, described the milestone as a testament to the visionary leadership, dedication, and strategic partnerships that have sustained the organisation 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 the gains we have made for a safer, more resilient aviation sector in our region,” he said.

Senior International Cooperation Officer for Sub-Saharan Africa at the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Yves Konig, 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,” Konig 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 in 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.