The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) hosted the 25th Meeting of the Technical Committee on Finance and Administration (TC-F&A/25) of the Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO) in Lagos from October 26 to October 30.

The five-day meeting brought together delegates from the seven BAGASOO member states to deliberate on financial sustainability, administrative accountability and strategies to strengthen regional cooperation and aviation safety oversight across West Africa.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director-General of Civil Aviation (D-GCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and aviation safety.

Najomo, represented by the General Manager, Finance and Accounts, Mr. Godwin Ameh, said Nigeria had remained a key pillar of support for BAGASOO since its inception through the provision of its administrative headquarters, vehicles, support staff and timely remittance of annual financial contributions.

He described the Technical Committee on Finance and Administration as a key driver of the BAGASOO project, responsible for reviewing annual budgets and work programmes, monitoring member states’ contributions, and strengthening financial accountability and internal controls.

The DGCA urged delegates to engage in robust discussions and make professional recommendations that would shape the organisation’s future and advance aviation safety in the sub-region.

He also commended BAGASOO’s achievements in harmonising civil aviation regulations, training and building the capacity of inspectors, pooling qualified inspectors to support member states, and assisting with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) safety oversight audits and certification activities.

In her remarks, the Executive Director of BAGASOO, Ms. Jaila Soraya Rodrigues Silva, represented by the General Manager, Legal Services, Mr. Illitrus Ahmadu, expressed appreciation to Nigeria and the NCAA for hosting the meeting.

She, however, emphasised the need for timely payment of contributions by member states, realistic budgeting and improved financial accountability to ensure the organisation’s sustainability.

Key items on the agenda include the status of member states’ financial contributions, the proposed 2027 annual work programme and budget, and plans to transition from flat member-state contributions to a Passenger Safety Levy as a more sustainable funding mechanism.

The meeting is expected to provide a platform for member states to review BAGASOO’s financial and administrative framework and explore measures to strengthen its capacity to support effective aviation safety oversight across the West African sub-region.