By Joy Onu, Abuja
In a move set to enhance regional aviation safety, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) have signed a historic Cooperation Agreement on Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations for aircraft in distress.
The agreement, inked on March 9, 2026, formalises collaboration between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Ghana in responding to aviation emergencies. Signing on behalf of Nigeria was Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, Director-General of the NCAA, while the GCAA was represented by its Director-General, Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur.
During the ceremony, Capt. Najomo described the MoU as a step forward in strengthening the collective aeronautical SAR framework of both countries, deepening operational coordination and reinforcing cross-border emergency response capabilities.
“Search and Rescue operations are not merely regulatory obligations under ICAO Annex 12; they are humanitarian imperatives and moral responsibilities shared by all states participating in international civil aviation,” Capt. Najomo stated. He emphasized that rapid response is critical when aircraft are in distress and that effective cooperation between neighbouring states can save lives.
The NCAA boss highlighted that the initiative aligns with the aviation development agenda of Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, which prioritises safety oversight, operational excellence, and regional collaboration across Africa’s aviation sector.
According to Capt. Najomo, the agreement operationalises key ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) by setting clear procedures for alert notifications, coordination between Rescue Coordination Centres, mutual assistance, and joint responses during SAR operations. “Through this framework, Nigeria and Ghana are strengthening mechanisms for rapid response, seamless cross-border coordination, and effective emergency preparedness,” he said.
From a regulatory perspective, the DGCA noted that the agreement demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to international aviation safety obligations while bolstering the national safety management ecosystem. He added that the MoU positively contributes to Nigeria’s preparedness under the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP-CMA), particularly in emergency response planning and state safety oversight.
Aviation experts say this partnership will not only improve the safety of civil aviation in West Africa but also serve as a model for cross-border cooperation in emergency response.
