The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, alongside the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, have concluded a successful working visit to the Republic of Cameroon, culminating in the signing and formalisation of a Technical Aeronautical Search and Rescue (SAR) Agreement between both nations.
During the high-level engagement, the Nigerian delegation met with their Cameroonian counterparts — the Minister of Transport, Jean Ernest Ngallé Bibehe, and their Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) topshots.
The bilateral discussions underscored the longstanding historical, diplomatic, and socio-economic ties between Nigeria and Cameroon, while reaffirming their shared commitment to aviation safety and regional cooperation.
Keyamo expressed profound appreciation to the Government and people of Cameroon for their warm reception and enduring partnership.
The minister in a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood said the meeting was to formalise Technical Aeronautical Search and Rescue Agreement between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroon.
He emphasized that the agreement prioritises institutional strengthening, regional cooperation, economic revitalization, and the protection of lives and property.
Keyamo noted that aviation remained 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,” he declared.
The newly signed agreement, he said 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).
Keyamo added: “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.”
He described the signing as more than a technical framework, saying it is “a practical expression of African solidarity, good neighbourliness, and collective responsibility.”
He commended the technical teams of both countries for their diligence, professionalism, and commitment in bringing the agreement to fruition.
On his part, Najomo, also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to sustained collaboration with Cameroon in ensuring compliance with international standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The working visit further reinforced the shared vision of both nations to strengthen aviation safety architecture in West and Central Africa, enhance cross-border emergency response systems, and promote seamless regional integration within the African aviation space.