From Molly Kilete, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared the support of his administration to enhance security within the Gulf of Guinea, which he said has become the main transit hub and facilitator for Africa’s economic growth.
The president stated this at the opening of the eighth Symposium of Heads of Navies and Coastguards in the Gulf of Guinea on the maritime environment holding in Abuja.
He said that the region has vast oil and natural gas reserves supplying about ten per cent of global energy demand, with significant quantities consumed in Europe, North America, and Asia.
Represented by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, at the occasion, Tinubu, said regional and global collaboration was critical in unlocking the immense potential of the blue economy in the GoG region.
Tinubu, while noting the importance of the symposium, said “The Gulf of Guinea is also a central shipping route for international trade and fishing, with an average of about 1,500 tankers, cargo ships, as well as fishing vessels transiting the region daily.
“Yet, it is imperative to recognise the untapped potentials within the emerging sectors of the GoG, such as marine biotechnology, offshore renewable energy, deep sea mining, and marine tourism.
“These sectors present unparalleled opportunities for advancing our blue economies, generating employment, and contributing to poverty alleviation within the region and Africa at large.
“I, therefore, pledge my administration’s continuous support for all other laudable objectives of the Nigerian Navy, as well as initiatives that will promote security within the Gulf of Guinea. “
The president, who expressed worries over the criminal activities confronting the region, called for partnership among countries to ensure a secure and prosperous maritime future. “I urge all stakeholders present to leverage this symposium as a springboard for transformative action, fostering international cooperation on maritime security, and propelling the GoG towards sustainable development in Africa.
“Together, let us forge a secure, prosperous, and sustainable maritime future for our people and future generations.
“Such partnership epitomises a workable model that could engender security for increased sustainable development within the region.”
Earlier in his address, The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, who reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Navy towards ensuring a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Gulf of Guinea, said that the GoG region had been discovered to hold enormous resources, particularly in the area of oil and gas.
He said that the sustainable development and exploitation of those resources, as well as the management, were critical to Africa’s growth and global economy.
“There is no gain saying that Nigeria’s economy depends largely on its oil resources, and that is similar to some other Gulf of Guinea nations.”.
The CNS, who described the sea as a fluid environment that required shared commitment, said, “The interconnectedness of our waters also requires that we strengthen international partnerships for enduring solutions to maritime security.”
Also speaking, the Chief of the French Navy, Admiral Nicolas Vaujour, said the sea was not only a space for cooperation but also for competition and conflict, adding that cooperation between naval forces was key to addressing maritime challenges.
He said the various joint operations and exercises, such as Grand African NEMO and Crocodile Lift, had shown the effectiveness of mutual support and shared information.
He reassured the commitment to support regional efforts and expressed hope that the symposium would lead to concrete initiatives and progress toward securing the region through collaboration and trust.
The theme of the symposium is “Maritime Security and Sustainable Development in the Gulf of Guinea.” It is hosted by the Nigerian Navy in partnership with the European Union and the French Navy.”