Cameroon and Nigeria have joined forces to enhance the safety and security of their airspace through a cooperative agreement focused on Search and Rescue (SAR) operations for aircraft in distress. The signing of this bilateral agreement took place on February 27, 2026, in the conference room of the Ministry of Transport in Yaoundé.
The Ministers of Transport of Cameroon, Jean Ernest Masséna Ngallè Bibehè, and of Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria, Festus Keyamo, formalized this mutual commitment. The agreement draws inspiration from the principles of the 1944 Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, particularly its Annex 12, which encourages such collaboration between states.
The Cameroon-Nigeria bilateral agreement highlights several key missions, including assisting aircraft in distress within Cameroonian territory. It also emphasizes joint participation in search and rescue operations, in accordance with bilateral agreements or protocols established with neighboring countries. Furthermore, it aims to ensure the adequacy and operational readiness of available intervention, search and rescue resources.
Both ministers underscored their shared determination to strengthen the security of their respective airspaces and promote exemplary regional cooperation. This initiative is supported by Presidents Paul Biya of Cameroon and Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria.
The signing ceremony gathered numerous dignitaries, including members of the Cameroonian government such as the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defense, the Minister Delegate to the Minister of External Relations in charge of cooperation with the Commonwealth, and the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Transport. The High Commissioner of Nigeria to Cameroon, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Transport, the Inspector-General of the Ministry of Transport, the Directors-General of the civil aviation sector, as well as the entourage of the Nigerian Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development were also in attendance.
By pooling their resources and improving coordination, Cameroon and Nigeria aim to create a safer and more secure air environment, thereby reducing risks for aircraft and their passengers. This collaboration could serve as a model for other African nations seeking to strengthen their search and rescue capabilities and improve regional air safety. Other similar agreements have been signed by Cameroon with countries in the sub-region.
The agreement should facilitate the crossing of borders by intervention teams, minimizing administrative formalities, regardless of where SAR events occur.
