Nigeria seeks combined Maritime Task Force for Gulf of Guinea at AU Summit
…Tinubu calls for headquarters to be in Lagos
By Kunle Sanni
Nigeria has urged the African Union (AU) to establish a Combined Maritime Task Force to strengthen security in the Gulf of Guinea, with President Bola Tinubu offering Lagos as the headquarters for the initiative.
Speaking at the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Sunday, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, presented the country’s position on behalf of President Tinubu.
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for President Tinubu, the proposal was made as the AU deliberated on security issues, including the implementation of the Master Roadmap to Silence the Guns in Africa (2023-2024).
“The time has come for the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) to prioritize the creation of a Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea,” Tinubu stated. “Nigeria would like to host the headquarters of the task force in Lagos.”
Nigeria’s push for maritime security coincided with the signing of an agreement between the country and the AU for Strategic Sea Lift Services. Under the deal, the Nigerian Navy will provide vessels for peace support operations, disaster relief, humanitarian efforts, and personnel transportation on a cost-recovery basis.
The agreement was signed by Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar and witnessed by senior Nigerian officials, including Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi, Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, and Naval Chief Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.
Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, signed on behalf of the AU.
President Tinubu welcomed the AUPSC’s decision to upgrade Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre to a Regional Counter-Terrorism Centre and to renew the mandate of the Multinational Joint Task Force, which combats terrorism in the Lake Chad Region.
However, he expressed concern over the security crisis in Libya, warning that instability there continues to fuel violence in the Sahel.
“The Sahel cannot enjoy peace as long as Libya does not,” Tinubu said, urging the AU to support efforts to restore law and order in the North African country.
He also highlighted the security challenges in countries undergoing democratic transitions, including Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Gabon. He suggested that the AU explore the potential benefits of UN Security Council Resolution 2719 to support AU-led peacekeeping missions while cautioning against the growing influence of private military companies in African security matters.
On economic issues, Tinubu strongly backed the creation of an African-led credit rating agency (ACRA), arguing that it would provide fairer assessments of African economies compared to existing global agencies.
“An independent African-led rating agency will help provide fairer assessments of African economies and reduce the bias often observed in existing global rating agencies,” he said.
The Nigerian leader also praised efforts by the AU, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the Specialised Technical Committee (STC) on Finance to establish the Africa Financing Stability Mechanism (AFSM).
He described the initiative as a crucial step in addressing financial vulnerabilities, reducing borrowing costs, and improving economic resilience across the continent.
“The AFSM underscores the collective commitment of member states in addressing financial vulnerabilities and fostering economic resilience,” Tinubu said, urging AU members to support its adoption.
