The Federal Government of Nigeria has deepened bilateral cooperation with Ghana to enhance Search and Rescue (SAR) services, a key component of aviation safety and emergency response management.
The agreement, signed during an official visit to Accra, aligns with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, particularly Annex 12 of the Chicago Convention, which mandates that contracting states maintain effective SAR services and collaborate with neighbouring countries to ensure rapid and coordinated responses to aviation emergencies.
The signing ceremony included high-level representatives from both countries. Nigeria was represented by Capt. Chris Najomo, Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Mr. Tayo John, Director of Air Traffic Services, standing in for the MD/CEO of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Umar Farouk; and Alhaji Ahmad Abba, Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS).
The agreement seeks to strengthen operational coordination between the SAR units of both nations and promote regional aviation safety initiatives in line with ICAO’s Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).
Speaking at the event, the Nigerian delegation emphasized that full implementation of the agreement would significantly boost search and rescue efficiency, operational coordination, and aviation safety for both Nigeria, Ghana, and the wider West African sub-region.
