Vice President Kashim Shettima has restated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully committed to safeguarding peace, security, and stability in the Gulf of Guinea, pledging Nigeria’s continued support for reforms within the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC).
The assurance, he noted, reflects Nigeria’s determination to sustain leadership in maritime cooperation while advancing its economic and security priorities in the region.
Nigeria has long been central to efforts in the Gulf of Guinea, a region that faces persistent threats from piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing. The country has also been a major driver of the African Union’s 2050 Integrated Maritime Strategy, which seeks to secure Africa’s maritime domain.
Shettima made the remarks in Abuja when he received the Executive Secretary of the GGC, Mr. Jose Mba Abeso, and his delegation at the State House.
He said: “On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I reaffirm Nigeria’s strong commitment to the objectives of the GGC. Nobody can undermine the role of the Commission in fostering cooperation, peace, and sustainable development in the Gulf of Guinea.”
The Vice President emphasized that as Africa’s most populous country and largest economy, Nigeria has strategic interests to protect and would continue to champion collaborative efforts.
“As Africa’s most populous nation and unarguably the largest economy, we have interests to protect, promote, project, and preserve in the Gulf of Guinea. Be reassured that some of the issues you have raised, the President will give them the desired attention. We want the Gulf of Guinea to function effectively,” he said.
Shettima further commended the Commission’s leadership, expressing Nigeria’s “unalloyed commitment to the ideals and objectives of the commission” while recognizing its role in fostering regional cooperation.
Earlier, Mr. Abeso urged Nigeria to sustain its leadership role, particularly in strengthening reforms within the Commission and expanding membership to include all 19 coastal states along the Gulf of Guinea.
He also called for regional stakeholders to engage insurance companies on reducing the high premiums charged on goods transported through the Gulf, arguing that lower costs would stimulate trade and economic activities across the subregion.
