BAGAIA Summit: Aviation incidents transcend borders, demand collaborative tackling – NSIB DG

The Director General of Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Captain Alex Badeh Jr., says aviation incidents transcend borders and demand seamless collaboration in tackling.

Captain Badeh Jr. therefore called for unity among members of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) in achieving this.

The NSIB boss said this while speaking at the 12th Commission Meeting of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) held on July 28 and 29, 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria.

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

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.

The theme of the event, hosted by NSIB, was – Celebrating Our Collective Wins in Capacity Building and Aviation Safety Across the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) Region and Beyond.

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.

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 summit, attended by Ghana, The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Cape Verde, focused on strengthening cross-border coordination, reviewing safety policies, and responding to emerging threats in aviation across West Africa.

It 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.

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.

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.