By Adeyemi David
Nigeria has pledged full infrastructural and operational support for the Combined Maritime Task Force in the Gulf of Guinea as part of efforts to strengthen regional security and tackle transnational crimes.
President Bola Tinubu made the commitment during the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The president was represented at the meeting by Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
Tinubu said Nigeria, as host nation for the headquarters of the Combined Maritime Task Force, would provide critical infrastructure including office buildings, ships, helicopters, and temporary personnel to ensure the force operates effectively.
“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,” he stated.
The president also called for a stronger and more coordinated African response to pressing challenges such as security threats, debt distress, and the exploitation of the continent’s mineral resources.
He further expressed support for deeper analysis to advance the activation of the African Court of Justice and urged intensified advocacy for the ratification of the African Parliament protocol.
Nigeria welcomed the progress made on the African Standby Force and encouraged the accelerated implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the AU Commission and the Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms, noting that closer cooperation would enhance peace and stability across Africa.
