Nigeria has taken over the Chairmanship of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG), a sub-regional aviation safety and oversight organisation made up of seven West African countries focused on improving air transport safety, connectivity, and regulation across the region.
At the 4th Council of Ministers Meeting of BAG held in Abuja on May 15, 2025, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, was formally appointed as Chairman, succeeding Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay.
In his handover speech, Turay praised Nigeria’s long-standing contributions to BAG and its commitment to aviation safety. He also commended the regional collaboration fostered through BAG’s institutions—BAGASOO (Safety Oversight Organisation) and BAGAIA (Accident Investigation Agency). Turay highlighted Sierra Leone’s recent progress in aviation readiness, with scores of 71% and 72% in safety and security audits, respectively.
The meeting drew participation from ministers of transport and aviation from Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone—countries that make up the BAG bloc. High-level discussions covered regional air transport challenges, infrastructure development, and the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
In his acceptance remarks, Keyamo attributed his appointment to Nigeria’s bold aviation reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting regional air connectivity and attracting investments through liberalisation and public-private partnerships.
Keyamo pledged to work with member states to implement the resolutions from the 18th Plenary of BAG, stating, “These efforts will accelerate growth, enhance safety, and provide models for other African regions to emulate.”
The Banjul Accord, signed on January 29, 2004, aims to foster safe, secure, and efficient civil aviation among member states, aligning with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
Nigeria’s leadership is expected to drive renewed momentum for aviation reform and regional integration in West Africa.
