President Bola Tinubu has urged the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) to establish a Combined Maritime Task Force to bolster security in the Gulf of Guinea, a key region plagued by piracy and maritime threats. Speaking at the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Heads of State and Government, Tinubu also expressed Nigeria’s readiness to host the task force’s headquarters in Lagos.
Representing the president at the summit, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, stressed the urgency of coordinated maritime security efforts.
“The time has come for the African Union Peace and Security Council to prioritise the creation of a Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea. I wish to announce that Nigeria would like to host the headquarters of the task force in Lagos,” Tuggar stated.
Alongside this security proposal, Nigeria signed a Strategic Sea Lift Services Agreement with the AU, aimed at supporting peace operations, disaster response, and humanitarian missions. Under this agreement, the Nigerian Navy will provide a vessel for these missions on a cost-recovery basis.
The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, and witnessed by several high-profile officials, including Attorney-General Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, and Director-General of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Muhammed Muhammed. The AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, signed on behalf of the African Union.
Strengthening Regional Security and Counter-Terrorism Efforts
President Tinubu also commended the AU for adopting key security recommendations, including the upgrading of Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre into a regional hub. Additionally, he welcomed the extension of the mandate for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which combats terrorism in the Lake Chad region.
Highlighting ongoing security challenges, Tinubu called for greater AU intervention in Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Gabon—nations grappling with political instability. He also emphasized the impact of Libya’s instability on the Sahel region, warning: “The Sahel cannot enjoy peace as long as Libya does not.”
Tinubu advocated for implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2719 to support AU-led peace missions and cautioned against the increasing reliance on foreign military contractors in Africa. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the African Standby Force, urging member states to finalize its operational framework.
On economic matters, Tinubu championed the establishment of an African-led Credit Rating Agency (ACRA) to counter biases in global credit assessments and ensure fair evaluations of African economies. He also endorsed the Africa Financing Stability Mechanism (AFSM), an initiative designed to ease borrowing costs and enhance financial resilience across the continent.
“The AFSM underscores the collective commitment of member states in addressing financial vulnerabilities and fostering economic resilience,” Tinubu said.
Concluding his address, Tinubu urged African nations to adopt the AFSM to strengthen economic stability and shield the continent from external financial shocks.
