Nigeria has pledged full support for a new regional security push in West Africa. The country will provide infrastructure and operational backing for the headquarters of the Combined Maritime Task Force in the Gulf of Guinea.
The announcement was made at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu at the high-level meeting.
The move is seen as a strong signal of Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability. Moreover, it comes at a time when maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea remains a major concern.
Under the plan, Nigeria will supply office buildings, naval ships, helicopters and temporary personnel. These resources are expected to strengthen coordinated patrols and intelligence sharing across the region.
“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,” the vice president said.
The Gulf of Guinea maritime security initiative aims to tackle piracy, oil theft and other cross-border crimes.
These threats have affected trade routes and economic growth in West and Central Africa.
In addition, Nigeria called for broader continental collaboration beyond maritime issues. The country highlighted the need to address insecurity, rising debt levels and the exploitation of Africa’s mineral resources.
Vice President Shettima acknowledged progress toward activating the African Standby Force. However, he urged faster implementation of agreements between the African Union Commission and Regional Economic Communities.
Furthermore, he supported deeper talks on activating the African Court of Justice. He also called for stronger advocacy to ratify the African Parliament protocol. According to him, these steps are vital for improving governance and legal systems across the continent.
The decision to host the task force headquarters places Nigeria at the center of regional maritime strategy.
The Gulf of Guinea remains one of the world’s key shipping routes. Oil exports and commercial trade pass through its waters daily. As a result, improved maritime coordination is seen as essential for economic stability.
