•Implementation scheduled to commence 1 January 2026
The seven-member states of Banjul Accord Group (BAG), yesterday adopted the proposed one ($1) United States Dollar Passenger Safety Charge (PSC) on international commercial departing flights as a sustainable funding mechanism for BAG, BAGASOO, and BAGAIA.
BAG hinted that while economic integration and trade facilitation are essential for the development of BAG-member states and the region, it also agreed that on full implementation of the PSC, member states’ contributions would be phased out.
The PSC implementation, it added is scheduled to commence on 1 January 2026, with full implementation expected by 2030, allowing time for the necessary amendments to national legislation.
BAG, in its plenary at the closing ceremony of its 18th Plenary and Meeting of the Council of Ministers in Abuja, acknowledged the report and expressed appreciation for the continued support in advancing the course of civil aviation in the region.
The report by BAG Secretariat which provides a comprehensive summary of the discussions and resolutions, noted the increase in the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) funding from Five Million Euros (€ 5,000,000.00) to Ten Million Euros (€10,000,000.00) and agreed to continue to utilise the support from EASA.
Full operationalisation of the BAG Multilateral Air Services Agreement (MASA) was recommended to transform the region into a single domestic airspace, facilitating unrestricted market access.
Speaking on the PSC, the Director-General, Civil Aviation, Nigeria, Capt. Chris Najomo said the proposal if accepted by the various countries government will also help drive implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD).
He added with improved connectivity within Africa; air ticket prices would reduce significantly as well as travel time.
He said the ministers of the various countries will meet on Thursday to deliberate recommendation and other conclusions to take back to their home countries governments.
On the difficulty in connecting within Africa, Capt. Najomo said the plenary agreed that restrictions within the member states should be removed for easy inter-lining and interconnectivity.
He however acknowledged there are capacity issues among local carriers in the sub region. “Another issue is capacity. Most countries dormant have the capacity. You can see in the reports. Nigeria has 13 scheduled domestic operators.
“In some countries, it’s just one or two. Some don’t even have at all. For instance, Sierra Leone just had the first AOC which was facilitated by Nigeria. It’s a Nigerian operator who went to fly their flag – Air Sierra Leone.”
He pledged Nigeria will continue to support other countries needing support in Africa. “We need to collaborate more among the seven African states. We need to support each other. You heard what Sierra Leone said.”
He said Nigeria is their big brother because of the huge support we have given them. We have signed several MoUs to help BAG country members. This will go a long way to enhance the implantation of SAATM” he stated.
BAG has struggled with funding difficulties as most member countries are defaulting in annual subscription payments. This is impacting negatively on the core objectives of the group.
The member countries include Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Gambia, Cape Verde and Sierra Leone. Nigeria has been the major financier of BAG.
