LAGOS – The Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) has called for enhanced partnerships by all aviation industry players to increase air accident investigation in Africa.
BAGAIA said that independent accident investigation authorities were important to boost aviation safety on the continent.
Engr. Charles Erhueh, Commissioner, BAGAIA, stressed this position on Wednesday during his presentation at the International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI) seminar in Portugal, which started on Tuesday, October 1 through Thursday, October 3, 2024.
No fewer than 300 delegates across the world are attending the three days event, which aimed to foster collaboration and learning in the global aviation community.
Erhueh, explained that despite challenges such as funding and adherence to resolutions, there were still numerous opportunities for improvement through partnerships.
The commissioner in his presentation, ‘The Benefits BAGAIA Assistance Missions to States in the AFI Region and Beyond,” emphasized the importance of BAGAIA’s role in enhancing aviation safety through collaborative efforts.
Some of the challenges confronting states in creating independent Accident Investigation Authorities (AIAs), according to him, included political resistance, lack of skilled personnel, and slow legislative processes.
But, assured that BAGAIA was committed to helping states establish these vital bodies, but called for expanded membership and improved funding access across member states.
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He noted that while some states faced difficulties, the creation of independent AIAs remained essential for objective accident investigations.
He said: “Many states are reluctant to establish independent bodies due to fears of job loss among civil servants and resistance from civil aviation authorities. This reluctance, however, must be overcome to meet international standards and enhance regional cooperation.”
He further outlined the objectives of BAGAIA’s technical assistance missions to member and non-member states.
He pointed out that these missions aligned with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) annex 13, which sets the global standard for investigating aircraft accidents and serious incidents.
Over the years, he emphasised, BAGAIA region had conducted 59 accident investigations, 61 serious incident investigations and issued 287 safety recommendations.
Through this work, the agency had contributed significantly to improving aviation safety across the region, he said.
He, therefore, urged member and non-member states to institutionalise or join regional accident investigation bodies like BAGAIA.
This he explained would not only help states meet their international obligations, but also improve their overall aviation safety oversight capabilities.
ISASI is dedicated to advancing air safety by promoting the exchange of ideas, experiences, and information about aircraft accident investigation and safety management.
