The Federal Government has pledged its continued support for air safety initiatives across West Africa as the Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Organisation marked its 15th anniversary.

The Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Organisation also announced a $1 passenger safety levy, set to take effect from January 2026.

The new charge, approved by the Council of Ministers, will be phased in over five years and is part of sweeping reforms aimed at bolstering aviation safety and security oversight in West Africa.

BAGASOO, which comprises Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, has recorded significant improvements in aviation safety since its establishment in 2009. The region’s effective implementation rate of international aviation safety standards has risen from 40 per cent to 63 per cent.

The development was disclosed by BAGASOO Executive Director Jailza Soraya Rodrigues Silva during the BAGASOO Safety Conference 2025 held in Abuja.

The conference also marked the organisation’s 15th anniversary and brought together key stakeholders to reflect on regional progress and chart the future of aviation safety.

Speaking at the event, Silva said, “The $1 safety levy aims to support BAGASOO’s efforts to strengthen aviation governance architecture and enhance safety and security oversight.”

She added that the organisation’s progress has been widely commended, particularly by the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of the BAGASOO Board of Directors, Capt. Chris Najomo.

Silva also noted that collaboration with global partners has played a role in BAGASOO’s success. “Partnerships with international organisations, such as the European Aviation Safety Agency, have also contributed to BAGASOO’s success,” she said.

EASA’s Senior International Cooperation Officer for Sub-Saharan Africa, Yves Koniig, affirmed the agency’s backing. He said EASA has been supporting BAGASOO through “training, regulatory guidance, and participation in regional initiatives”.

Adding a continental perspective, Executive Director of the Civil Aviation Safety Oversight Agency of the East African Community, Richard Gatete, said discussions at the conference also focused on the development of a unified regulatory framework for Africa. He emphasised “the importance of regional integration and learning”.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, through his representative, Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to backing BAGASOO’s mission, stating that “together, we can build an aviation ecosystem that is resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking.”

Kana also used the platform to announce the 1st Nigeria International Airshow, scheduled to be held in Lagos or Abuja from December 2 to 4, 2025, describing it as a premier event for showcasing innovations, driving partnerships, and advancing intra-African trade and investment.