The Nigerian Navy is set to host the 8th edition of the Conference of the Heads of Navies and Coast Guards of Gulf of Guinea Countries, a significant event aimed at addressing maritime security and fostering sustainable development in the Gulf of Guinea region.
Slated to take place from November 26 to 28, 2024, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, the conference is themed “Maritime Security and Sustainable Development in the Gulf of Guinea”. This high-profile gathering will bring together key stakeholders, including representatives from the European Union, the French Navy, and over 25 Central and West African nations, to discuss strategies for enhancing maritime security.
According to a statement by Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, Director of Naval Information, the conference will focus on fostering regional cooperation and coordination to bolster maritime law enforcement.
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“The symposium will provide a platform for practitioners from regional navies and coast guards to exchange ideas on maritime security and safety,” the statement read. “It will also strengthen the implementation of the Yaoundé Code of Conduct, a critical framework for tackling piracy and other maritime crimes in the region.”
The Gulf of Guinea is a vital economic hub, accounting for nearly 30% of global maritime traffic and housing proven oil reserves estimated at 50 to 60 billion barrels. However, the region faces significant security challenges, including piracy, illegal fishing, and smuggling.
“The region is undoubtedly important to the global energy landscape. To enhance maritime security and safety, nations must strengthen regional governance and collaboration by cultivating multifaceted partnerships,” the statement emphasized.
This conference represents a crucial step toward achieving sustainable maritime development and ensuring the Gulf of Guinea remains a secure and prosperous economic corridor.
