Nigeria and Cameroon have formalised a Technical Aeronautical Search and Rescue (SAR) Agreement in a significant move to strengthen aviation safety and deepen regional cooperation.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, alongside the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, concluded a high-level working visit to the Republic of Cameroon with the signing of the bilateral agreement.
The Nigerian delegation held strategic discussions with Cameroon’s Minister of Transport, Jean Ngallé Bibehe, and senior officials of the Cameroonian Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The talks highlighted the longstanding diplomatic and socio-economic ties between both countries, while reaffirming their shared commitment to enhanced aviation safety and regional integration.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister expressed appreciation to the government and people of Cameroon for their warm hospitality and continued partnership.
He described the agreement as a milestone in advancing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises institutional strengthening, regional collaboration, economic revitalisation, and the protection of lives and property.
According to the Minister, aviation remains a vital driver of economic growth, connectivity, and development, but sustainable progress must be anchored on safety, resilience, and robust emergency preparedness systems.
“Search and rescue cooperation is not merely a regulatory obligation under ICAO Annex 12; it is a humanitarian imperative and a moral responsibility”, he stated.
He outlined Nigeria’s aviation priorities to include strengthening safety oversight institutions, improving infrastructure and operational capacity, deepening bilateral and multilateral cooperation, promoting African regional integration, and ensuring that governance delivers tangible protection for citizens and the global aviation community.
The newly signed agreement will enhance coordination between both countries’ Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs), establish clear communication frameworks, enable joint search and rescue operations, and improve rapid response mechanisms within their respective Search and Rescue Regions (SRRs).
Emphasising the importance of timely emergency response, the Minister noted that in critical situations, swift action saves lives and borders must not hinder humanitarian intervention. He described the agreement as a practical demonstration of African solidarity, good neighbourliness, and collective responsibility.
The Minister commended the technical teams from both nations for their professionalism and dedication in successfully finalising the pact.
Also speaking, NCAA Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustained collaboration with Cameroon in ensuring full compliance with the Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The visit further strengthened both countries’ resolve to reinforce aviation safety architecture across West and Central Africa, enhance cross-border emergency response systems, and promote seamless regional integration within Africa’s aviation sector.