Nigeria Commits to Hosting Gulf of Guinea Maritime Task Force Headquarters with Ships and Helicopters
In a significant move to bolster regional maritime security, Nigeria has formally committed to hosting the headquarters of the Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea. The nation pledged to provide essential infrastructure, including office buildings, ships, helicopters, and temporary personnel support, ensuring the force can operate effectively against transnational crimes.
Vice President Shettima Announces Commitment at African Union Assembly
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, made the announcement during the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union. He emphasized Nigeria's role as host nation, stating that this arrangement will support coordinated efforts to combat piracy, human trafficking, and other illicit activities in the strategically vital Gulf of Guinea.
Shettima declared: "As host of this taskforce, Nigeria will provide infrastructure, including office buildings, ships, helicopters and temporary personnel to ensure that the Force remains effective in combating transnational organised crimes and enhancing maritime security across the region."
Reflecting Nigeria's Push for Collective African Security Solutions
Officials noted that this decision underscores Nigeria's broader initiative to foster collective African solutions to shared security challenges. The Gulf of Guinea is a critical maritime corridor for trade and energy supply, making enhanced security measures imperative for regional stability and economic growth.
In addition to the maritime commitment, Nigeria used the AU forum to advocate for reforms within the continent's peace and governance structures. This includes supporting progress on the African Standby Force and urging faster implementation of memoranda of understanding between the AU Commission and Regional Economic Communities.
Backing Continental Judicial and Parliamentary Reforms
Vice President Shettima further expressed Nigeria's support for a deeper review process aimed at activating the African Court of Justice. He also called for stronger advocacy to ratify the protocol establishing the African Parliament, highlighting Nigeria's commitment to strengthening continental institutions for peace and justice.
This announcement follows recent diplomatic achievements for Nigeria at the AU, including securing a permanent seat on the Board of the African Central Bank, which positions the country at the core of Africa's evolving monetary framework.
The African Union Commission has previously reaffirmed its support for Nigeria's sovereignty and constitutional governance, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy over external threats. Nigeria's latest commitment to the Gulf of Guinea Task Force demonstrates its proactive role in addressing security issues through regional cooperation and infrastructure support.
