Nigeria, Ghana Sign Agreement To Enhance West Africa’s Search & Rescue Coordination

Nigeria and Ghana have signed a Search and Rescue (SAR) Cooperation Agreement to enhance aviation safety for both countries and the wider West African sub-region.

The agreement was signed in furtherance of regional aviation safety cooperation and in compliance with international aviation standards when a high-level Nigerian delegation led by the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo undertook an official visit to Accra, Ghana, yesterday to participate in the signing of the agreement.

The Nigerian delegation comprised senior officials from the NCAA) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), including Mr. Tayo John – Director, Air Traffic Services (DATS), representing the MD/CEO, NAMA, Alhaji Ahmad Abba, mni – Director, Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS) and other key representatives from relevant technical departments of the agencies.

The signing ceremony marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Ghana in the provision and coordination of Search and Rescue (SAR) services, which are critical components of aviation safety and emergency response management.

The agreement is in line with the provisions of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), particularly Annex 12 to the Chicago Convention, which requires Contracting States to establish and maintain effective Search and Rescue (SAR) services and to cooperate with neighbouring States to ensure prompt and coordinated responses to aviation emergencies.

The objectives of the visit and the agreement include participation in the official signing ceremony of the Nigeria–Ghana SAR Cooperation Agreement, strengthening bilateral aviation safety collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana, enhancing operational coordination between the search and rescue units of both states and promoting regional aviation safety initiatives in accordance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

The successful signing of the Nigeria–Ghana Search and Rescue Cooperation Agreement represents a major step toward improving aviation emergency preparedness and response capability within the West African sub-region. It further underscores the shared commitment of both countries to enhancing aviation safety, strengthening regional cooperation, and upholding global aviation standards.

The Nigerian delegation expresses its sincere appreciation to the management of NCAA and the management of NAMA for their unwavering support, cooperation, and commitment to advancing aviation safety initiatives.

The Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Rev. Stephen W. Arthur contributed to the successful conclusion of the agreement. The Nigerian delegation expressed confidence that the effective implementation of this agreement will significantly enhance search and rescue coordination, operational efficiency, and aviation safety for sub-region.