Nigeria, Ghana Sign Pact to Strengthen Cross-Border Aircraft Search and Rescue

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at improving search and rescue operations for aircraft in distress within both countries’ airspace.

The agreement was formalised on Tuesday, with the NCAA Director-General, Chris Najomo, signing on behalf of Nigeria, and the GCAA Director-General, Stephen Arthur, signing for Ghana.

In a statement following the signing, Najomo said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would strengthen collective search and rescue capabilities and deepen operational collaboration between the two nations.

He highlighted the critical importance of rapid response during aviation emergencies, noting that time is a crucial factor when aircraft are in distress. The agreement, he said, ensures effective coordination between neighbouring states to save lives.

The MoU also aligns with the aviation development agenda of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, which prioritises enhanced safety oversight and stronger regional cooperation across Africa.

Najomo explained that the agreement sets out clear procedures for cooperation during emergencies, operationalising key provisions of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices.

This includes protocols for alert notifications, coordination between Rescue Coordination Centres, mutual assistance, and collaborative response efforts within each country’s Search and Rescue Region.

According to the NCAA boss, the framework will strengthen rapid response, cross-border coordination and emergency preparedness, ensuring timely and coordinated rescue efforts for aircraft and passengers in distress.

He also said the agreement reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to international aviation safety obligations and contributes to national safety management, particularly enhancing preparedness for ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme under the Continuous Monitoring Approach.

The partnership marks a step forward in regional aviation safety, providing a structured approach for collaboration and improving the capacity to respond efficiently to emergencies in Nigerian and Ghanaian airspace.