Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO) held its inaugural Safety Conference at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Nigeria. The two-day event, holding from June 30 to July 1, 2025, coincides with the celebration of BAGASOO’s 15th anniversary, drawing aviation safety experts, regulators, and stakeholders across West and Central Africa and beyond.
Declaring the conference open, Hon. Minister, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, CON, FCIArb. UK commended BAGASOO for its impactful contributions to aviation safety in the sub-region. Festus noted that BAGASOO has evolved into a model of regional cooperation, strengthening safety oversight, regulatory harmonization, and capacity building across its Member States.
He welcomed participants, especially international guests, and described the conference theme, “Consolidation on Current Gains for Enhancement of Aviation Safety”, as timely and urgent in view of growing air traffic, emerging threats, and technological advancement. Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting BAGASOO’s mission, stating that “together, we can build an aviation ecosystem that is resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking.”
Dr. Kana also used the platform to announce the 1st Nigeria International Airshow (NIA), scheduled to hold in Lagos or Abuja from December 2–4, 2025, describing it as a premier event for showcasing innovations, driving partnerships, and advancing intra-African trade and investment.
Earlier, Ms. Jailza Soraya, Executive Director of BAGASOO, expressed gratitude to all Member States and stakeholders for their unwavering support over the past 15 years. She highlighted the organisation’s evolution from a visionary idea into a recognised force in aviation safety, citing progress made in harmonised regulatory oversight, training, and strategic partnerships. “Collaboration remains at the heart of everything we do,” she affirmed.
She further stated that BAGASOO looks to the future, as the conference serves as a platform to consolidate gains, build stronger partnerships, and strengthen the collective capacity of Member States to meet global aviation standards.
Delivering a goodwill message, Capt. Chris Najomo, Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Chairman of BAGASOO Board of Directors, congratulated the organisation for its 15 years of purposeful service. Represented by Capt. Spiff, he applauded BAGASOO’s achievements in audit coordination, inspector training, and integration of aviation security within oversight systems. “This milestone is a testament to visionary leadership and enduring commitment to excellence,” he remarked.
Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), Mrs. Adefunke Adeyemi, also commended the Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO) for emerging as a key cornerstone in regional cooperation and capacity development not only within the West African sub-region, but across the entire African continent. Mrs. Adeyemi emphasized that BAGASOO’s work reinforces the spirit of collective action in civil aviation across Africa. She applauded BAGASOO’s critical role in fostering a safe, secure, and seamless air transport system aligned with the broader African vision for aviation and integration.
She further expressed particularly AFCAC satisfaction with the Session on Harmonization of Economic Regulation and the benefits of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). She stated that the ongoing efforts to regularize and liberalized air transport market are proving instrumental in creating a seamless and safe African sky while urged all stakeholders to reaffirm their commitments to the shared goals of integration and development, ensuring that no country is left behind.
The event also featured insightful discussions on Harmonized/ Common Regulatory Regimes – Benefits, Perspectives, progress and Drawback , ii. Safety and Security Oversight ICAO USOP/USAP Audits- Planning, Preparation and Participation and moderated by renowned aviation industry leaders.
Panelists include: Yves Koning (EASA), Stephen Musa (AFCAC), Richard Gatete (East African CASSOA), Steve Amasa (NCAA), Arnold Bangura (SLCAA), and Ebenizar Adjei (GCAA) explored strategies for embedding global best practices in aviation safety.
Signed
Odutayo Oluseyi
Head, Press and Public Affairs
