Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has called for the establishment of a combined maritime task force to tackle security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea. He also proposed Lagos State as the headquarters for the task force, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability and maritime security.
President Tinubu made this call on Sunday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the African Union’s (AU) deliberations on the report of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC). The discussions centered on peace and security in Africa, along with the biennial review of the Master Roadmap of Practical Steps to Silence the Guns in Africa (2023-2024).
Nigeria’s push for the maritime task force coincided with the signing of a significant agreement between Nigeria and the AU to provide Strategic Sealift Services. This initiative will support AU peacekeeping operations, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and personnel transport across Africa.
The agreement, signed by Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru, will see the Nigerian Navy providing a vessel for AU operations on a cost-recovery basis. This strategic partnership underscores Nigeria’s role as a key player in regional security and its commitment to ensuring safe and secure maritime routes within the Gulf of Guinea.
With piracy, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes posing major threats to trade and security in West Africa, the proposed taskforce could serve as a game-changer in enhancing collaborative efforts among African nations. Nigeria’s willingness to host the taskforce headquarters in Lagos further demonstrates its leadership in driving security solutions across the continent.
As Africa continues its quest to silence the guns and achieve long-term peace and stability, Nigeria’s initiative stands as a pivotal step in securing its coastal waters and protecting maritime trade in the region.
