Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured the international community that President Bola Tinubu remains fully committed to strengthening security and stability in the Gulf of Guinea, a vital maritime hub for Africa’s trade and energy resources.
Shettima, who spoke on Tuesday at a regional security forum in Abuja, noted that Nigeria, under Tinubu’s leadership, is intensifying efforts to combat piracy, oil theft, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes that have long plagued the Gulf of Guinea.
President Tinubu has made it clear that safeguarding the Gulf of Guinea is not just a Nigerian priority but a continental and global obligation. His commitment to regional peace and maritime security is unwavering,” the Vice President said.
He emphasized that the Gulf, which accounts for a significant share of Africa’s seaborne trade, cannot thrive without collective action. According to him, Nigeria is working closely with ECOWAS, the African Union, and international partners to boost surveillance capacity, share intelligence, and coordinate naval operations.
Shettima added that recent investments in naval equipment, coastal radar systems, and manpower training demonstrate the government’s resolve to secure the maritime domain. He also pointed out that Tinubu’s chairmanship of ECOWAS has further reinforced Nigeria’s leadership role in addressing security challenges in the region.
Military and security experts present at the forum welcomed Nigeria’s renewed commitment, stressing that stability in the Gulf of Guinea is crucial for energy security, international shipping, and economic growth across West and Central Africa.
