Nigeria and Cameroon have signed a new Technical Aeronautical Search and Rescue Agreement aimed at strengthening aviation safety and improving emergency response across their shared airspace.
The agreement was formalised in Cameroon during a working visit by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, and the Director General, Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo.
They met with Cameroon’s Minister of Transport, Jean Ernest Ngallé Bibehe, and senior aviation officials, where both countries reaffirmed their long-standing diplomatic ties and commitment to deeper regional cooperation.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister described the pact as a humanitarian necessity rather than just a regulatory obligation under International Civil Aviation Organization standards.
He said aviation remains critical to economic growth and regional integration, but must be built on strong safety systems and effective emergency preparedness, stressing that in times of distress, borders should never delay life-saving intervention.
The new agreement is expected to improve coordination between both countries’ rescue centres, establish clearer communication channels and enable faster joint search and rescue operations.
Nigerian authorities say the move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reinforcing efforts to strengthen institutions, protect lives and promote closer aviation collaboration across West and Central Africa.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen