BAGASOO explores new income sources

The Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organisation is exploring new income sources and urging member states to prioritise fulfilling their financial obligations to ensure efficient operations and enhance aviation safety.

In a statement released to journalists by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development on Monday, BAGASOO emphasised that its member states should also prioritise the payment of their financial obligations to ensure the organisation operates effectively.

While declaring the two-day meeting open, the Director-General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, described it as a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the governance, financial integrity, and operational effectiveness of BAGASOO, which member states include Nigeria, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

“The financial stability of BAGASOO is directly dependent on the timely and full payment of contributions by member states. These payments are essential in sustaining our operations, implementing critical programmes, and fulfilling our mandate effectively,” said Najomo.

He also called for the swift conclusion of the ongoing investigation into the accounts of BAGASOO, stressing the importance of following due process while upholding the highest standards of transparency and integrity.

Executive Director of BAGASOO, Jailza Silva, shared that the organisation had taken decisive steps to enhance financial controls and mitigate the risks associated with financial mismanagement.

She outlined several measures being implemented, including strengthening internal auditing processes, enhancing financial reporting mechanisms for improved transparency, implementing stricter budgetary controls to prevent unnecessary expenditures, ensuring better compliance with regulatory financial standards, and ensuring the segregation of duties.

She also highlighted the need for BAGASOO to hire additional skilled personnel to achieve its objectives. “The existence of vacancies in key positions has created operational gaps that affect efficient decision-making and service delivery. It is imperative that we expedite the recruitment process to ensure that we have the right personnel in place to drive the organisation forward,” Silva said, adding that retaining skilled professionals is essential for the organisation’s success.

The previous Regional Legal Adviser at BAGASOO, Mary Tufano, who is now the Director of Legal Services at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, also addressed the meeting. She noted that while the organisation is facing challenges, particularly financial ones, they are being successfully addressed. She further emphasised the importance of member states meeting their financial obligations.