The Seven member states of Banjul Accord Group (BAG) Wednesday adopted the proposed one $1 Passenger Safety Charge (PSC) on international commercial departing flights as a sustainable funding mechanism for BAG, BAGASOO, and BAGAIA.
The PSC implementation, it added, is scheduled to commence on January 1, 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 provided a comprehensive summary of the discussions and resolutions, noted the increase in the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) funding from € 5 million to €10 million and agreed to continue to utilise the support from EASA.
TheHintsNews reports that the 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 governments of various countries would 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 would meet on Thursday to deliberate recommendations and other conclusions to take back to their home countries’ governments.
BAG has struggled with funding difficulties as most member countries are defaulting in annual subscription payments. This is impacting negatively 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.