Nigerian born Commissioner of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) Engineer Charles Irikefe Erhueh, has seek collaboration with the Minister of Tourism and Transport in Cabo Verde, Dr. Carlos Duarte Santos on the importance of the regional investigative agency and the need to be fully involved and attract other nations to be part of the laudable agency.
The meeting between the two also explored ways on capacity building and training to enhance the expertise at the agency as it also focused in part on financing BAGAIA.
Erhueh reiterated the importance BAGAIA places in the region and emphasis strengthening and collaboration between Member States in respect to investigation of accidents and serious incidents.
Just as he said the body remain beneficial to the Cape Verde, the Commissioner reiterated the need to enlist other African countries into the fold and create larger capacity not just for the region but the entire continent.
On capacity building in relation to On-the-job training, the BAGAIA Commissioner told his host that to enhance those key proponents of accident investigation there is need to send their investigators for such trainings.
He further said that there is an investigation into a recent helicopter accident currently ongoing in Nigeria which the members of BAGAIA can be drafted in an observer capacity mode to be part of the investigation team which will enhance their capacity in accident Investigation.
He also mused with enlisting possible training with the availability of funds or sponsor that BAGAIA has marshaled out but due to COVID-19 some of these have been put on hold.
Minister Tourism and Transport pledged synergy with the Institute for the Prevention and Investigation of Aeronautical and Marine Accidents (IPIAAM) and Civil Aviation Authority with BAGAIA to move the Aviation industry forward in Cabo Verde.
The minister also expressed commitment to clearing up outstanding subscription to the Commission.
Dr. Santos agreed with the BAGAIA Commissioner on on-the-job training stating that it would further enhance the investigator’s capacity in the event of accidents or incidents.