Nigeria has committed to providing the Combined Maritime Task Force in the Gulf of Guinea with complete operational and infrastructure support, including office buildings, ships, helicopters, and temporary staff to serve as the force’s headquarters.
At the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union’s Assembly of Heads of State and Government, Vice President Kashim Shettima made the commitment on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
Shettima stated that Nigeria was prepared to guarantee the task force’s operational efficacy in a statement released by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha.
In order to maintain the Force’s effectiveness in fighting transnational organized crime and improving marine security throughout the region, the Vice President stated that helicopters and temporary staff would be necessary.
In addition to marine security, Shettima demanded that Africa respond more forcefully and unifiedly to debt crises, mineral exploitation, and security challenges throughout the continent.
In order to combat transnational crimes and other destabilizing activities that threaten regional stability, he emphasized the necessity of African states working together.
Nigeria also praised the African Standby Force’s accomplishments and urged the Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms and the African Union Commission to expedite the execution of their Memorandum of Understanding.
The Vice President also strongly advocated for the passage of the African Parliament protocol and further stated support for additional investigation in order to activate the African Court of Justice.
At the AU summit, African leaders convened to discuss issues related to governance, development, and continental security.
