Banjul group proposes $1 passenger safety charge
Seven African countries, under the auspices of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) have proposed a $1 Passenger Safety Charge (PSC) on originating international flights’ tickets to improve funding and further build capacity for safety regulation. With sustained funding, BAG seeks to strengthen the safety oversight and accident investigation capabilities of the BAG Member States and […]
Seven African countries, under the auspices of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) have proposed a $1 Passenger Safety Charge (PSC) on originating international flights’ tickets to improve funding and further build capacity for safety regulation.
With sustained funding, BAG seeks to strengthen the safety oversight and accident investigation capabilities of the BAG Member States and enable compliance with international requirements.
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.
The above recommendation was adopted at the 18th Plenary Session of The Banjul Accord Group (BAG) which ended Wednesday in Abuja.
The 3-Day Plenary Session, and the council of Ministers’ Meeting, is hosted by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and it witnessed participation of the seven member countries of the BAG.
The proposal to introduce 1 USD Passenger Safety Charge (PSC) on international commercial departing flights was proposed as a sustainable funding mechanism for BAG, BAGASOO, and BAGAIA and was adopted by the member States.
It was also agreed at the plenary that upon full implementation of the PSC, member state contributions would be phased out.
“The PSC implementation is scheduled to commence on 1 January 2026, with full implementation expected by 2030, allowing time for the necessary amendments to national legislation,” the report said.
Speaking to the PSC, the Director-General, Civil Aviation, Nigeria, Capt. Chris Najomo said the proposal, if accepted by the various countries’ governments, will also help drive implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD).
He added that with improved connectivity within Africa; air ticket prices would reduce significantly as well as travel time.
He said the ministers of the various countries will meet on Thursday to deliberate recommendations and other conclusions to take back to their home countries’ governments.
On the difficulty in connecting within Africa, Capt. Najomo said the plenary agreed that restrictions within the member states should be removed for easy interlining and interconnectivity.