The Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO) is exploring alternative revenue streams beyond member-state contributions to ensure sustainable operations. The organization has also called on member states to prioritize the payment of their financial obligations to enhance its effectiveness.
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, made this known while declaring open the 29th Board of Directors meeting in Abuja, Nigeria.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is hosting the 29th Board Meeting of the Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO).
The 2-Day hybrid meeting which began today 3rd March 2025, at the Transcorp Hotel Abuja, is being chaired by Capt. Chris… pic.twitter.com/82q2mlXBr6
— NigeriaCAA (@NigeriaCAA) March 3, 2025
Speaking at the inauguration of the two-day meeting, Captain Najomo emphasized that the gathering marks a significant milestone in BAGASOO’s ongoing efforts to enhance governance, financial sustainability, and operational efficiency.
BAGASOO has the following member states: Nigeria, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
The organization is saddled with the responsibilities to promote safe and efficient civil aviation in the BAG region and beyond, to help member states comply with international aviation safety requirements, and to also build sustainable safety oversight systems in member states.
The Organization was formed in 2009 by the seven member states of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG)
“The financial stability of BAGASOO is directly dependent on the timely and full payment of contributions by member states. These payments are essential in sustaining our operations, implementing critical programs, and fulfilling our mandate effectively,” Captain Najomo added.
He also called on the swift conclusion of the current investigation into the accounts of BAGASOO, emphasising that due process is followed while maintaining the highest standards of transparency and integrity.
In her remarks, the Executive Director BAGASOO Jailza Soraya said the organization has taken decisive steps to enhance financial controls and mitigate risks associated with financial mismanagement.
These measures she listed include strengthening internal auditing processes to ensure greater oversight, enhancing financial reporting mechanisms for improved transparency, and implementing stricter budgetary controls to prevent unnecessary expenditures.
“The existence of vacancies in key positions has created operational gaps that affect efficient decision-making and service delivery.”
“It is imperative that we expedite the recruitment process to ensure that we have the right personnel in place to drive the organization forward,” she said, adding that BAGASOO should retain skilled professionals who will contribute to its success.
Also commenting, the former Regional Legal Adviser of BAGASOO, Mary Tufano and the current Director of Legal Services, NCAA, said the challenges the body is facing are being surmounted, especially financial.
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