Agreements have paved new pathways for inter-regional collaboration, joint investigations, and shared training opportunities within the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA).
A major highlight of Commissioner Charles Irikefe Erhueh’s final report is the expansion of BAGAIA membership. Following a series of high-level engagements, Equatorial Guinea has officially expressed its intention to join the agency, after earlier discussions during the ICAO Assembly in Montreal in September 2025. The accession process will proceed through diplomatic channels, in line with the amended BAGAIA Agreement adopted in May 2025.
Reflecting on the collective gains, Erhueh noted that member states have issued over 340 safety recommendations and completed more than 160 investigations, contributing to six consecutive years without a single hull loss in BAGAIA’s airspace. He attributed these outcomes to a growing culture of proactive reporting and strengthened compliance with ICAO standards.
However, the outgoing Commissioner cautioned that funding remains the agency’s greatest challenge, urging member states to settle annual subscriptions promptly. He emphasised that BAGAIA’s sustainability depends on consistent financial commitment, especially as the agency advances its 2022 to 2027 strategic work plan.
“We have built a solid foundation, but predictable funding is critical if we must maintain our pace and avoid setbacks”, Erhueh stressed.
Under his leadership, BAGAIA launched an interactive website, introduced voluntary safety reporting tools, and unveiled the agency’s first official logo and newsletters. In recognition of these strides, the agency earned two honours at the 2025 Global Business Awards — Best Regional Aircraft Accident Investigation Agency in West Africa and Outstanding Contribution to Capacity Building in Air Safety Investigation.
Erhueh concluded by expressing gratitude to BAGAIA staff, the Cabo Verde host government, and regional partners for their steadfast support. Describing his tenure from 2019 to 2025 as “challenging yet rewarding”, he called it a turning point in the evolution of accident investigation across the Banjul Accord region.
“Our collective vision was simple — to give West Africa a credible, independent accident investigation body capable of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world. I believe we have achieved that”, he said.
As BAGAIA transitions to new leadership, the agency stands as one of Africa’s most recognised regional safety investigation institutions — technically capable, globally connected, and strategically positioned to sustain its mission of safer skies.