President Bola Tinubu has expressed commitment to backing initiatives aimed at enhancing security in the Gulf of Guinea. He highlighted the region’s significance as a key transit point for Africa’s economic development, boasting vast oil and natural gas reserves critical for global energy needs. Tinubu, represented by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, emphasized the importance of regional and international collaboration in unlocking the immense potential of the blue economy in the Gulf of Guinea.
The eighth Symposium of Heads of Navies and Coastguards in the Gulf of Guinea, themed “Maritime Security and Sustainable Development,” was a joint effort by the Nigerian Navy, the European Union, and the French Navy. Tinubu stressed the untapped potential in sectors like marine biotechnology and offshore renewable energy, presenting opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation in the region and beyond.
Acknowledging the security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea, Tinubu urged for collective action among nations to ensure a secure and prosperous maritime future. The commitment of the Nigerian Navy, as reiterated by Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, towards peace and prosperity in the region was underlined. International partnerships and cooperation were highlighted as essential for enduring solutions to maritime security challenges.
The Chief of the French Navy, Adm. Nicolas Vaujour, emphasized the importance of cooperation among naval forces to address maritime issues effectively. Joint operations and exercises were cited as successful examples of mutual support and shared information. France’s dedication to supporting regional initiatives and the hope for concrete progress through collaboration were also expressed.