The Federal Government and the Republic of Cameroon have signed and formalised a Technical Aeronautical Search and Rescue (SAR) Agreement between both nations.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, who was accompanied by the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, signed the agreement during a working visit to Cameroon.

Keyamo’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, in a statement, said the agreement was in alignment with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises institutional strengthening, regional cooperation, economic revitalisation and the protection of lives and property.

The statement reads: “The Minister noted that aviation remains a strategic enabler of economic growth, regional integration, and national development, but stressed that such growth must be anchored on safety, resilience, and effective emergency preparedness. ‘Search and rescue cooperation is not simply a regulatory requirement under ICAO Annex 12. It is a humanitarian imperative and a moral responsibility.’

“Highlighting Nigeria’s commitments under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Minister outlined key priorities, including strengthening safety oversight institutions, enhancing infrastructure and operational capability. Deepening bilateral and multilateral aviation cooperation, promoting regional integration across Africa and ensuring that governance translates into tangible protection for citizens and the global aviation community.

“The newly signed agreement is designed to strengthen operational coordination between the respective Rescue Coordination Centres, RCCs, of both countries, establish clear communication protocols, facilitate joint search and rescue operations, and enhance rapid response mechanisms within their respective Search and Rescue Regions, SRRs.

“He described the signing as more than a technical framework, calling it a practical expression of African solidarity, good neighbourliness, and collective responsibility, saying in moments of distress, response time saves lives. Borders must never become barriers to humanitarian intervention. ‘Today, Nigeria and Cameroon demonstrate that cooperation — not fragmentation — defines our regional approach to aviation safety.’ (Vanguard)

• PHOTO: Festus Keyamo and Cameroon’s aviation authorities after signing the bilateral Search and Rescue (SAR) agreement.

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