New Telegraph 
The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, is reinforcing its commitment to regional integration and the free movement of persons and goods by advancing the harmonisation of safer standards and operational procedures in aviation across West Africa.
This initiative is being spearheaded through an Experts Validation Workshop on Aviation Security (AVSEC) Regulation, organised by the Transport Directorate of the ECOWAS Commission in Lagos, Nigeria, in preparation of an Air Transport Ministers meeting on AVSEC and the reduction of taxes, charges and fees which makes the region one of the most expensive, in terms of air travels.
The three-day workshop brought together aviation security experts from ECOWAS Member States, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the Banjul Accord Group for Safety Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO), ICAO Certified Auditors, and the ECOWAS Commission.
This gathering is a crucial step advancing an important component of the ongoing project of support to the air transport industry in West and Central Africa, under the ECOWAS Air Transport Improvement Program.
Aviation security experts at the meeting reviewed and finalised the draft regional regulations that align with the latest amendments to the ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (ICAO-SARPs) while taking on board the broader objectives of facilitating Air travels within the West African region.
Additionally, the experts drafted a framework for the establishment and operation of an AVSEC pool as well as an action plan for its realisation. The recommendations from this workshop will be presented to sector ministers for endorsement and subsequently to the ECOWAS.
The main purpose of the ECOWAS Regional AVSEC regulation is to establish a harmonised regulatory framework for the safety of passengers, crew, ground personnel, and the general public against acts of unlawful interference.
Specifically, the regulation provides measures to prevent weapons, explosives, or other dangerous devices which can be used to commit harm, providing a uniform interpretation and application of the ICAO Chicago Convention especially Annex 9 on “Facilitation” and Annex 17 on “Security” Once adopted by the ECOWAS Governing Bodies, ECOWAS will work with Member States, to set up AVSEC Pool Experts, trained with standardised tools to ensure consistent implementation across the region.
In his welcome address, Mr. Chris Appiah, the Acting Director of Transport at the ECOWAS Commission, emphasised the significance of a harmonized AVSEC regulation to the aviation industry in West Africa.
He highlighted the urgency of validating the proposed regulations, which will govern air transport security and safety across the region. Mr. Appiah also highlighted other ongoing ECOWAS’s interventions aimed at improving air transport operations and making air travel more affordable.
He noted the collaboration with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to develop a strategy that aims to reduce air transport costs to community citizens by addressing issues such as excessive charges and taxation, which contribute to high ticket prices.
