President Bola Tinubu has urged heads of navies and coastguards in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) to foster international cooperation on maritime security towards sustainable development in Africa.
Tinubu made the call on Wednesday, at the opening of the 8th edition Symposium of Heads of Navies and Coastguards in the GoG, on maritime environment in Abuja.
The symposium with the theme “Maritime Security and Sustainable Development in the Gulf of Guinea” is hosted by the Nigerian Navy in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the French Navy.
The president was represented at the event by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
He also acknowledged the lead role being played by the Nigerian navy in the increase of crude oil production and security in the Niger Delta.
“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.
“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,’’ he said.
Tinubu said that regional and global collaboration was critical in unlocking the immense potential of the blue economy in the GoG region.
He said the gulf region was being confronted with criminal activities such as piracy, illegal fishing, and smuggling, adding that the threat undermine the stability and safety of the region, preventing it from fully exploiting its maritime resources.
The president said the theme of the symposium resonated profoundly and reflected the essence of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
According to him, the symposium also aligns with the vision of Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy 2050 and embodies key aspirations of Africa’s Agenda 2063.
He added that the symposium had come at a time when most countries in GoG were making effort to harness the enormous blue economy potential that exists within this region.
According to him, it is worth reiterating that the wider GoG has become the main transit hub and facilitator for Africa’s economic growth.
“The region has vast oil and natural gas reserves supplying about 10 per cent of global energy demand, with significant quantities consumed in Europe, North America, and Asia.
“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,’’ he said.
The event was attended by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, among others.
The symposium has in attendance, no fewer than 30 heads of navies and coastguards from GoG countries and international partners such as European Union and the French Navy.
