Nigeria and Ghana signed an aviation search and rescue agreement.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority signed the bilateral Search and Rescue Operations Cooperation Agreement to strengthen response mechanisms for aircraft in distress.
Furthermore, the Nigeria Ghana aviation search and rescue agreement is the second such deal Nigeria has signed in two weeks.
In his reaction via his X handle, Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, Director-General of NCAA, highlighted that the MoU strengthens both countries’ collective aeronautical Search and Rescue (SAR) architecture and deepens operational cooperation between the two States.
Read Also: NCAA-Suspends-Ten-Private-Jet-Firms-Licenses-Over-Use-Violations
According to Capt. Najomo the agreement also operationalises key provisions of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) by establishing clear procedures for alert notification.
It also helps in coordination between Rescue Coordination Centres, mutual assistance, and collaborative response during search and rescue operations within respective Search and Rescue Regions.
“Search and rescue operations for aircraft in distress are not merely a regulatory requirement under ICAO Annex 12 but a fundamental humanitarian obligation and a moral responsibility shared by all states that participate in international civil aviation.”
Safety
From a regulatory standpoint, he said this Agreement further reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to fulfilling its international aviation safety obligations, while strengthening our national safety management ecosystem.
He added that the framework would strengthen rapid response and cross-border coordination during aviation emergencies.
“Through this framework, Nigeria and Ghana are strengthening mechanisms for rapid response, seamless cross-border coordination, and effective emergency preparedness, ensuring that aircraft and persons in distress within our region can benefit from timely and coordinated rescue efforts.”
Najomo added that the development would also enhance Nigeria’s preparedness under the International Civil Aviation Organisation audit programme.
“It also contributes positively to our preparedness under the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme Continuous Monitoring Approach, particularly in areas related to emergency response planning and state safety oversight.”
