Nigeria and Ghana have signed a landmark bilateral agreement aimed at strengthening aviation safety and emergency response coordination across the West African sub-region, marking a significant step towards improved Search and Rescue (SAR) operations within the region.
The agreement was formalised in Accra during a high-level ceremony attended by senior aviation officials from both countries.
The Nigerian delegation was led by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Chris Najomo, who represented Nigeria at the signing of the Nigeria–Ghana Search and Rescue Cooperation Agreement.
The pact is designed to enhance collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana in the coordination and provision of aviation Search and Rescue services, which are critical in responding swiftly to aircraft distress situations, accidents or incidents within shared airspace.
Other members of the Nigerian delegation included Mr Tayo John, Director of Air Traffic Services representing the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and Alhaji Ahmad Abba, Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards at the NCAA, alongside other technical experts from both agencies.
The agreement aligns with international aviation safety requirements established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), particularly provisions contained in Annex 12 of the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, which obligates member states to establish effective Search and Rescue services and collaborate with neighbouring countries in responding to aviation emergencies.
According to aviation safety experts, SAR cooperation agreements between neighbouring states are vital because aircraft incidents often occur across international boundaries, requiring coordinated response efforts among multiple jurisdictions.
Under the newly signed agreement, Nigeria and Ghana will enhance operational coordination between their respective rescue units, share relevant information and resources, and conduct joint initiatives aimed at improving emergency preparedness.
Officials say the arrangement will also support faster response times to distress calls, improved coordination of rescue missions, and greater efficiency in managing aviation emergencies across the Gulf of Guinea flight corridors, which serve as a major route for both regional and international air traffic.
The Nigerian delegation emphasised that the signing of the agreement represents a major milestone in bilateral aviation cooperation between the two West African nations.
Capt. Najomo noted that effective SAR systems are a cornerstone of global aviation safety architecture and remain a critical responsibility of national aviation authorities.
According to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Africa accounts for a small but significant share of global aviation accidents, making coordinated emergency preparedness a priority for regulators and air navigation service providers across the continent.
In West Africa, where countries share vast oceanic and remote land airspaces, the need for cross-border rescue cooperation has long been emphasised by aviation regulators and international safety organisations.
Industry analysts say the Nigeria–Ghana agreement could serve as a model for broader regional cooperation within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), where aviation authorities are increasingly pursuing harmonised safety frameworks.
Nigeria’s delegation also expressed appreciation to the Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Stephen W. Arthur, for the warm reception and cooperation extended to the visiting officials during the ceremony in Accra.
Officials described the engagement as constructive and reflective of the strong diplomatic and aviation ties between the two countries.
They noted that the effective implementation of the agreement would significantly improve coordination, operational efficiency and aviation safety within the sub-region.
It is believed that the collaboration will ultimately strengthen West Africa’s aviation safety framework by ensuring that emergency response capabilities remain robust, coordinated and aligned with global best practices.
With Nigeria operating the region’s largest aviation market and Ghana serving as a key regional aviation hub, industry observers say the partnership is expected to play a vital role in safeguarding air travel across one of Africa’s busiest flight corridors.
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