Nigeria has pledged full infrastructural and operational support for the Combined Maritime Task Force in the Gulf of Guinea, committing to provide office buildings, ships, helicopters and temporary personnel as host of the force’s headquarters.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made the pledge while representing President Bola Tinubu at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said Nigeria was ready to ensure the operational effectiveness of the task force.
“As host of this taskforce, Nigeria will provide infrastructure, including office buildings, ships, helicopters and temporary personnel to ensure that the Force remains effective in combating transnational organised crimes and enhancing maritime security across the region,” the Vice President said.
Beyond maritime security, Shettima called for a stronger and more coordinated African response to security threats, debt distress and mineral exploitation across the continent.
He stressed the need for collective action among African nations to tackle transnational crimes and other destabilising activities affecting regional stability.
Nigeria also welcomed progress recorded on the African Standby Force and encouraged accelerated implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the African Union Commission and the Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms.
The Vice President further expressed support for deeper analysis toward activating the African Court of Justice and intensified advocacy for the ratification of the African Parliament protocol.
The commitments were made as African leaders met to deliberate on continental security, governance and development challenges at the AU summit.
