BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Nigeria and Ghana have taken a major step to strengthen aviation safety in West Africa with the signing of a Search and Rescue (SAR) Cooperation Agreement, designed to improve emergency response and coordination in the event of aviation incidents across both countries’ airspaces.
A high-level Nigerian delegation led by Capt. Chris Najomo, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), travelled to Accra to formalise the agreement with Ghanaian aviation authorities.
The delegation included senior officials from the NCAA and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
Among them were Mr. Tayo John, Director of Air Traffic Services representing the Managing Director of NAMA, and Alhaji Ahmad Abba, Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, alongside other technical experts.
The agreement marks a key milestone in bilateral aviation cooperation between Nigeria and Ghana, particularly in the area of search and rescue operations, which are crucial for aviation safety and effective emergency management.
Search and rescue services play a vital role in responding to aircraft distress situations, missing aircraft reports, or accidents involving civil aviation operations.
The newly signed pact aims to ensure faster coordination between both countries when emergencies occur within their respective flight information regions.
The initiative is also aligned with international aviation standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), specifically the provisions of Annex 12 to the Chicago Convention, which require member states to establish effective search and rescue frameworks and cooperate with neighbouring countries for rapid emergency response.
Officials noted that the agreement will enhance operational collaboration between rescue units in both countries while improving the overall safety architecture of the region’s aviation system.
Under the framework, both countries will strengthen communication channels, share operational information, and coordinate rescue missions when required, ensuring quicker deployment of resources in distress situations.
Aviation authorities say the pact also supports broader efforts to deepen regional aviation safety initiatives across West Africa, where growing passenger traffic and expanding airline operations have increased the need for robust emergency response systems.
Nigeria’s delegation expressed appreciation to the management of both the NCAA and NAMA for their continued support in advancing aviation safety initiatives.
Special recognition was also extended to Rev. Stephen W. Arthur, Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, and his team for their hospitality and collaboration during the visit.
With the agreement now in place, aviation regulators from both countries say its effective implementation will significantly strengthen emergency preparedness, improve operational coordination, and enhance aviation safety not only for Nigeria and Ghana but for the wider West African aviation network.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
