(Left fr) Rev. Stephen Arthur, acting DG of GCAA. (3rd from right) Aib Boss, John Wumborti's performance
Nigerian Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Kheiamo is seeking a full institutionalization of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) and is aiming to transform it into a permanent and well-built entity.
At the opening of the 18th Overall Bag Session held in Abuja from May 19-21, 2025, Keyamo highlighted the group's achievements of strengthening aviation safety, operational efficiency and regulatory oversight across the region.
He praised Bag's role in ensuring compliance with international best practices and promoting regional cooperation.
Keyamo urged stakeholders to help transform the group, highlighting that fully institutionalized bags will act as a beacon of excellence and will lead the African aviation sector to increased efficiency, innovation and global competitiveness.
“Let us leave the common resolve to promote this conference to a true model of African aviation solidarity,” he said.
In his welcome speech, Chris Najomo Grandetain, Director of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to Nigerian bags and his ideals of cooperation, safety and integration.
He emphasized the importance of strengthening aviation safety, security, regulatory harmony and sustainable development across the region.
“Nigeria remains steadfast in its strong support for Bag's adorable goals as a driving force behind this subregional group. We are committed to playing an active and constructive role in achieving the robust air transport sector from West Africa onwards,” Najomo said.
“Let's look to West Africa's safe and secure unified aviation category: awards as we create a bold path for bags and guide them more widely for Africa and global aviation,” he added.
On his part, Huang Bojang, Executive Director Bag and Director of the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), acknowledged the progress, but noted that more work is ahead of the line to unlock the full potential of the region.
“As a group, we went ahead with the vision of the founding father of Bags. We have lifted the industry from the depths we once stood and placed it on a new pedestal,” he said. “Now we must continue to tackle the challenges we have identified and build on momentum.”
Meanwhile, John MK Wumborti, representative committee member of the Aircraft Accidents and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB) in Ghana, attended the 18th Plenary Meeting of the Banjuru Accord Group in Nigeria.
Also present was the Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, acting director of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
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