….to fund West Africa’s safety and accident agencies
In a strategic move to tackle persistent funding shortfalls and strengthen aviation safety oversight across West Africa, the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) has approved a $1 Passenger Safety Charge (PSC) on all international air tickets issued from its member states.
The charge, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, is expected to serve as a sustainable funding stream for BAG and its technical bodies.
The resolution was reached at the conclusion of the Group’s 18th Plenary Session held in Abuja.
The PSC is intended to finance the operations of the BAG Aviation Safety Oversight Organization (BAGASOO) and the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA), both of which have struggled under inconsistent contributions from member states.
Full implementation is expected by 2030, giving countries time to enact necessary legislative changes.
BAG, which brings together Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Gambia, Cape Verde, and Sierra Leone, has long faced financial instability.
Nigeria, in particular, has shouldered a disproportionate share of funding responsibilities.
With the new charge, the group plans to gradually phase out direct contributions from member governments, shifting to a more predictable, user-based revenue model.
Nigeria’s Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, emphasized that the charge would have far-reaching benefits beyond financial stability.
He said it would enhance the region’s capacity for safety oversight and accident investigation, while also supporting broader African aviation goals such as the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the Yamoussoukro Decision.
Capt. Najomo also spoke on the need for greater regional integration, advocating for the removal of inter-state restrictions to encourage seamless airline operations.
He pointed to significant disparities in aviation infrastructure and capacity among BAG members, noting that while Nigeria currently operates 13 scheduled domestic airlines, some countries have little or no local operators.
Sierra Leone, he said, recently issued its first Air Operator Certificate, a milestone facilitated with Nigeria’s support.
The Abuja plenary, hosted by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), also welcomed renewed backing from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which announced a doubling of its financial assistance to BAG from €5 million to €10 million.
The additional funding is expected to reinforce BAG’s institutional capacity and technical programs.
During the session, BAG members also resolved to deepen engagement with airlines and aviation service providers, urging greater participation in the group’s cooperative framework to enhance regional safety and operational standards.
Final decisions and recommendations from the plenary will be reviewed by the Council of Ministers of the seven BAG countries, who are scheduled to meet on May 21, 2025, to chart the way forward and guide national implementation strategies.
