Tinubu Calls for Joint Maritime Task Force to Strengthen Gulf of Guinea Security

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu advocates for a joint maritime task force to enhance regional security in the Gulf of Guinea, tackling piracy and illegal activities.

During the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu took the opportunity to call on the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) to prioritize creating a joint maritime task force.

He stated that the action would improve security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Tinubu announced that Nigeria is willing to host the task force’s headquarters in Lagos.

He presented Nigeria’s stance while the African Union reviewed the report on the AUPSC, concentrating on peace and security in Africa. Additionally, he addressed the biennial report regarding the execution of the Master Roadmap for Practical Steps to Silence Guns in Africa (2023–2024).

On Sunday, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered the statement on behalf of President Tinubu.

The Nigerian government has stated that it’s an opportune moment for the African Union Peace and Security Council to focus on establishing a Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea.

I am pleased to announce that Nigeria intends to host the task force headquarters in Lagos.

Nigeria’s proposal for a maritime task force aligned with the signing of an agreement with the African Union to deliver Strategic Sea Lift Services. These services are intended to support AU peace operations, respond to natural disasters, assist in humanitarian missions, and facilitate personnel movement.

Badaru Abubakar, the Nigerian Minister of Defence, signed the agreement.

According to the agreement, the Nigerian Navy will supply a vessel for the operations on a cost-recovery basis.

Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice; Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Naval Chief; and Ambassador Muhammed Muhammed, Director-General of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, were present for the signing.

Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, serving as the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, signed on behalf of the African Union.

Tinubu praised the AUPSC for its decision to adopt the outcomes of a high-level meeting, which includes upgrading Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre into a Regional Counter-Terrorism Centre.

He also praised the decision of the Peace and Security Council to extend the mandate of the Multinational Joint Task Force, which tackles both terrorism and violent extremism in the Lake Chad Region.

Regarding Libya, the Nigerian leader voiced concern that ongoing instability in the North African nation is worsening security challenges in the Sahel. He urged the Assembly to support efforts aimed at restoring law and order.

He warned that peace in the Sahel is unattainable as long as Libya remains unstable.