Nigeria, Ghana sign MoU on aircraft search, rescue operations

Nigeria and Ghana have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in search and rescue operations for aircraft in distress between the two countries.

The agreement was signed by the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo, on behalf of the Nigerian government, and the Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Stephen Arthur, representing the Ghanaian government.

In a statement issued on Tuesday after the signing, Najomo said the agreement would strengthen the search and rescue framework of both countries and deepen operational collaboration.

“The MoU strengthens both countries’ collective aeronautical search and rescue architecture and deepens operational cooperation between the two sister states,” he said.

Najomo explained that search and rescue operations for aircraft in distress go beyond regulatory requirements and represent a humanitarian responsibility shared by nations involved in international aviation.

“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,” he said.

He stressed that rapid response during aviation emergencies is crucial to saving lives, noting that collaboration between neighbouring countries plays a key role in such situations.

According to him, when an aircraft is in distress, time becomes the most critical factor, making effective cooperation between neighbouring states indispensable.

Najomo said the initiative aligns with the aviation development agenda of Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, which prioritises stronger safety oversight and deeper regional collaboration across Africa’s aviation sector.

He added that the agreement establishes clear procedures for cooperation between the two countries during emergencies.

“The agreement operationalises key provisions of ICAO standards by establishing procedures for alert notification, coordination between Rescue Coordination Centres, mutual assistance and collaborative response during search and rescue operations within our respective Search and Rescue Regions,” Najomo said.

He noted that the framework would enhance rapid response and cross-border coordination during aviation emergencies, ensuring timely rescue efforts for aircraft and persons in distress within the region.

Najomo also said the agreement reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to meeting international aviation safety obligations and strengthening its national safety management system.

He added that the development would improve Nigeria’s preparedness under the International Civil Aviation Organization Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme Continuous Monitoring Approach, particularly in areas related to emergency response planning and state safety oversight.