Tinubu committed to Gulf of Guinea security, stability — Shettima
By Kunle Sanni –
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to peace, security, and stability in the Gulf of Guinea, pledging Nigeria’s continued support for ongoing reforms within the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC).
Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a courtesy visit by GGC Executive Secretary Jose Mba Abeso and his team, Shettima stressed Nigeria’s resolve to strengthen regional cooperation in line with the African Union’s 2050 Integrated Maritime Strategy.
“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I reaffirm Nigeria’s strong commitment to the objectives of the GGC. Nobody can undermine the role of the Commission in fostering cooperation, peace, and sustainable development in the Gulf of Guinea,” Shettima said.
He assured the delegation that issues raised by the commission would receive attention from the President, adding: “As Africa’s most populous nation and the largest economy, we have interests to protect, promote, project, and preserve in the Gulf of Guinea.”
Earlier, Abeso urged Nigeria’s support for GGC reforms, including plans to expand membership to all 19 coastal states in the region and efforts to lower high insurance premiums on maritime trade. He also called for Tinubu’s backing in rallying regional leaders to operationalize the Combined Maritime Taskforce.
Shettima commended the commission’s work and reiterated Nigeria’s “unalloyed commitment” to its goals.
Also present at the meeting were the Force Commander of the Combined Maritime Taskforce, Commodore M.S. Shettima; Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde of the Defence Headquarters; Ambassador Obinna Agbugba of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Adebowale Badejo of the GGC.
