BY ANTHONY OMOH
The Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) has officially formed its leadership board following resolutions at the 12th Commission Meeting held in Abuja, Nigeria. This significant milestone was marked by the appointment of Colonel Lawrence Jarra, Commissioner of The Gambia’s Aircraft Investigation Bureau (AIB), as Board Chairman. Engineer Jorge Manuel Rodrigues, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Instituto de Prevenção e Investigação de Acidentes Aeronáuticos e Marítimos (IPIAAM), was appointed as Vice Chairman. The BAGAIA Commissioner will be the Secretary of the Board.
This was the highlight of activities on day two of the12th Commission Meeting.
BAGAIA Commissioner, Engineer Charles Irikefe Erhueh, announced the new structure, emphasizing that the establishment of the board was one of the most strategic decisions taken during the Abuja meeting. “We now have a Board Chairman, Colonel Lawrence Jarra, and a Vice Chairman in Engineer Jorge Rodrigues. This provides the structure we need for stronger policy coordination and implementation,” he stated.
The newly established BAGAIA leadership board structure comprises the heads of accident investigation bureaus from member states. According to the Commissioner, this board is designed to streamline the agency’s decision-making process and ensure consistent, collective policy guidance across member states. The Commissioner of BAGAIA will serve as Board Secretary, ensuring direct access to technical leadership and policy execution.
A key step in solidifying this board was the formal signing of the Board’s establishment document. This was executed by five member states of the Banjul Accord Group on May 22, 2025, during the Council of Ministers meeting. The document was signed in English and has now taken full legal effect. French and Portuguese translations are currently in process and are expected to be endorsed during the 42nd Session of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, scheduled for September 2025.
This development signals a new era of unified oversight and improved governance for BAGAIA. The Commissioner noted that the board would not only enhance operational coordination but also address strategic funding, capacity development, and safety investigation policies.
Transitioning to a board-led structure reflects BAGAIA’s ongoing commitment to accountability and efficiency. By engaging top investigation leaders from member states, the agency ensures that decisions are technically sound and regionally inclusive. The appointments of Colonel Jarra and Engineer Rodrigues symbolize both continuity and a forward-looking governance model.
While the English version of the agreement is already active, efforts are underway to accelerate multilingual ratification. This will allow all BAGAIA states to contribute effectively, regardless of their official languages, thereby enhancing cohesion.
Responding Jarra said: “We will ensure the success of the Board and make effective decisions. Me and my team will ensure we work well, it’s a first-of-its kind so we really have to make it so EASA can have the confidence that it is a game changer. I want to thank fellow board members for the trust and confidence they have in me. As I step into this role with a strong sense of purpose and commitment, through the vision and values that guide BAGAIA This is all about BAGAIA”
In addition to policy coordination, the new BAGAIA leadership board structure is expected to strengthen ties with global aviation safety partners and bolster the region’s influence within ICAO.
This evolution of BAGAIA governance underscores its regional importance. With the appointment of a functional leadership board, the agency is set to navigate future safety challenges with improved coordination and vision.
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