BAGASOO Introduces $1 Passenger Safety Levy to Enhance Aviation Safety and Security Oversight in West Africa

Strategic Insights -

The Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO) has recently introduced a $1 passenger safety levy as part of major reforms to bolster aviation safety and security oversight across its member states. The decision, ratified by the Council of Ministers, will take effect from January 1, 2026, and be phased in over five years across the region. This move is aimed at strengthening BAGASOO's governance architecture and improving its effectiveness in implementing international aviation safety standards. The organisation has also expanded its mandate to include security oversight systems, a significant milestone in its history.

BAGASOO comprises seven member states: Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. The Executive Director, Jailza Soraya Rodrigues Silva, disclosed this during an interview on the sidelines of the BAGASOO Safety Conference 2025, currently underway in Abuja. The conference marks the 15th anniversary of the organisation and has brought together key stakeholders from across the continent to share knowledge on aviation safety and best practices.

According to Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Capt. Chris Najomo, the milestone achieved by BAGASOO is a testament to the visionary leadership, dedication, and strategic partnerships that have sustained the organisation. He emphasized the need for continued collaboration, innovation, and consolidation of gains to achieve a safer and more resilient aviation sector in the region.

Key Takeaways:

  • 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 levy will take effect from January 1, 2026, and be phased in over five years across the region.
  • BAGASOO's mandate has been expanded to include security oversight systems, a significant milestone in its history.
  • Since its establishment in 2009, BAGASOO has improved its implementation rate of international aviation safety standards from approximately 40% to 63%, as measured by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
  • The BAGASOO Safety Conference 2025 has brought together key stakeholders from across the continent to share knowledge on aviation safety and best practices.
  • Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Capt. Chris Najomo highlighted the need for continued collaboration, innovation, and consolidation of gains to achieve a safer and more resilient aviation sector in the region.

Statistics:

  • $1 passenger safety levy will be introduced across BAGASOO's member states.
  • The levy will take effect from January 1, 2026, and be phased in over five years.
  • BAGASOO's implementation rate of international aviation safety standards has improved from approximately 40% in 2009 to 63% in 2025.
  • BAGASOO has seven member states: Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.

Sources:

  • Jailza Soraya Rodrigues Silva, Executive Director of BAGASOO.
  • Capt. Chris Najomo, Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of BAGASOO.
  • Yves Konig, Senior International Cooperation Officer for Sub-Saharan Africa at the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
  • Engineer Richard Gatete, Executive Director of the Civil Aviation Safety Oversight Agency (CASOA) of the East African Community.
  • BAGASOO Safety Conference 2025.