Gulf of Guinea Security: Nigeria Pledges Ships, Helicopters, Personnel as Host of Force’s Headquarters
Nigeria has announced that it will provide full infrastructural and operational backing for the Combined Maritime Task Force in the Gulf of Guinea, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening maritime security and combating transnational organised crime across the region.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the pledge during deliberations at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
As host nation of the Task Force headquarters, Nigeria will provide office buildings, ships, helicopters and temporary personnel to ensure the operational effectiveness of the regional maritime security arrangement.
The initiative is aimed at enhancing coordination among Gulf of Guinea states in tackling piracy, illegal fishing, trafficking, and other cross-border criminal activities that threaten economic stability and regional peace.
Vice President Shettima said the move reflects Nigeria’s longstanding leadership role in maritime security within West and Central Africa.
He noted that strengthening collective security frameworks remains critical to protecting sea lanes that are vital to Africa’s trade and development.
The pledge also aligns with Nigeria’s broader call for a more coordinated African response to emerging security challenges, including terrorism, organised crime, debt distress and illicit mineral exploitation.
On the sidelines of the AU summit, Nigeria welcomed progress made on the African Standby Force (ASF) and encouraged faster implementation of memoranda of understanding between the AU Commission and Regional Economic Communities and Mechanisms (RECs/RMs).
The Vice President further expressed support for activating the African Court of Justice and intensified advocacy for the ratification of the African Parliament protocol.
In addition to its maritime commitments, Nigeria reaffirmed its diplomatic engagement in continental peace efforts, including renewed support for the South Sudan peace process.
The Nigerian delegation emphasised the need for inclusive dialogue, adherence to revitalised agreements, and sustained cooperation among African leaders to achieve lasting peace and stability.
With the latest pledge, Nigeria signalled its readiness to invest both resources and political will in strengthening Africa’s collective security architecture and safeguarding the Gulf of Guinea as a strategic economic corridor.
Gulf of Guinea Security: Nigeria Pledges Ships, Helicopters, Personnel as Host of Force’s Headquarters
Byadmin
Feb 17, 2026