NSIB Hosts BAGAIA Summit, Boosts West Africa’s Aviation Safety Leadership

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has further cemented its leadership role in regional aviation safety by hosting the 12th Commission Meeting of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) in Abuja.

The two-day summit, held on July 28 and 29, 2025, brought together heads and representatives from member states including Ghana, The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Cape Verde. The meeting focused on strengthening cross-border coordination, reviewing safety policies, and responding to emerging threats in aviation across West Africa.

This year’s theme, “Celebrating Our Collective Wins in Capacity Building and Aviation Safety Across the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) Region and Beyond,” highlighted the region’s progress in developing aviation safety systems and building human capacity. It also reinforced the importance of collaboration, consistency, and continued investment in safety infrastructure.

A key milestone at the meeting was the formal activation of the BAGAIA Board of Directors, tasked with providing strategic oversight, enhancing governance, and ensuring accountability. The board is composed of heads of national investigation bureaus from member states.

Speaking at the opening session, NSIB Director General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., called for unity in tackling aviation incidents that often transcend borders.

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

He cited Nigeria’s recent support to Liberia’s accident investigation bureau and assistance to Ghana in establishing a flight data analysis lab as examples of practical regional cooperation.

“These are the kinds of outcomes that show we are serious about lifting aviation standards across the region,” he added.

BAGAIA Commissioner, Engr. Charles Irikefe Erhueh, praised the NSIB for its leadership and urged states to deepen their commitment despite funding challenges. He noted that the activation of the Board would boost the agency’s effectiveness.

In a statement, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi, NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, said hosting the summit reflects Nigeria’s growing role in shaping the future of aviation investigation across Africa. She said the NSIB remains focused on infrastructure development, investigator training, and promoting safety partnerships.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Yves Koning, Regional Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), described the EU-EASA/BAGAIA technical partnership as transformative. Although the EU-funded support project ends on July 31, he assured delegates that new avenues for continued cooperation are being explored.

The meeting agenda covered strategic funding, performance evaluation, technical coordination, and capacity development, positioning the Abuja summit as a key moment in regional aviation safety advancement.

By leading and hosting the 12th BAGAIA Commission Meeting, the NSIB has once again demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to fostering a safer, more collaborative aviation environment across West Africa.