Capt.Badeh Jnr.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has played host to the 12th Commission Meeting of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA), further strengthening its leadership role in promoting aviation safety and investigative cooperation across West Africa.

Held in Abuja on 28 and 29 July 2025, the high-level gathering brought together representatives and heads of Accident Investigation Bureaus from member states, including Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia, Liberia, Cape Verde, and Sierra Leone.

Delegates engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening regional coordination, streamlining policy direction, and addressing emerging threats to aviation safety.

This year’s theme, “Celebrating Our Collective Wins in Capacity Building and Aviation Safety Across the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) Region and Beyond”, captures both the measurable strides taken and the pressing responsibilities that remain.

It affirms the region’s growing ability to share expertise, develop investigators, and improve safety outcomes. It also reminds every participating state that progress depends on consistency, cooperation, and continuous investment in people and systems.

At the heart of the meeting was the activation of BAGAIA’s Board of Directors, an initiative that will transform governance within the agency.

The Board, comprising heads of national investigation bureaus, will oversee BAGAIA’s strategic direction, monitor the Commissioner’s activities, and ensure accountability.

Captain Alex Badeh Jr, Director General of NSIB, representing the host country, delivered an address at the opening ceremony, emphasising the need for unity and responsiveness in addressing cross-border aviation challenges.

“Cooperation among member states is not just a goal but the foundation of our success,” Badeh said. “Aviation incidents transcend borders and demand seamless collaboration. We must move as one.”

He highlighted Nigeria’s recent technical support to Liberia’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and efforts to assist Ghana in developing a flight data analysis lab, describing them as examples of how NSIB translates regional commitments into practical outcomes.

“We are celebrating collective wins today,” he added. “They reflect our shared growth, our willingness to learn from one another, and our drive to raise standards across the subregion.”

Captain Badeh further emphasised that regional aviation safety cooperation must evolve to address new threats, including bird strikes, operational risks, and emerging technologies.

The NSIB-led hosting of this BAGAIA Commission Meeting signals Nigeria’s readiness to shape the future of investigative capacity in Africa.

It also affirms the Bureau’s central role in developing specialised infrastructure, coordinating training efforts, and furthering collaboration beyond national borders.

BAGAIA Commissioner Engr. Charles Irikefe Erhueh commended NSIB’s leadership, calling for deeper synergy among states to sustain progress.

Despite funding constraints identified by the Commissioner, the Abuja meeting reflected growing resolve among states to stay engaged and improve investigative capability.

Representing the EU-ASA/BAGAIA partnership, Mr. Yves Koning, EASA Regional Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, described the technical cooperation with BAGAIA as productive and transformative.

He confirmed that although the EU-funded project supporting the agency concludes on 31 July, pathways for sustained collaboration remain open.

With performance reviews, funding strategies, and technical coordination topping the agenda, the 12th BAGAIA Commission Meeting marks a strategic milestone for the region.

The NSIB, by leading and hosting this edition, has demonstrated a strong commitment to capacity development, regional unity, and future-facing investigative excellence.