President Bola Tinubu is set to deliver an important address aimed at establishing regional alliances and frameworks for intelligence-sharing to address threats that are displacing millions and destabilizing the Sahel region.
This summit is seen as a crucial opportunity for these efforts.
The heads of state and government meeting is a significant counter-terrorism summit co-hosted by Jordan and Italy, focusing on the rising security issues in West Africa, such as the resurgence of Boko Haram, insurgencies in the Sahel, and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
Initiated in 2015 by King Abdullah II of Jordan, the forum aims to enhance global cooperation against violent extremism and organized crime.
Tinubu arrived at Fiumicino Airport on October 12 at 7:20 p.m. local time for the two-day meeting, which begins today.
The summit will include plenary sessions and bilateral discussions where Tinubu will advocate for collaborative strategies to combat terrorist financing and online radicalization.
A presidential aide highlighted the significance of these discussions, stating, “Global security requires collective action, and Nigeria is leading the charge.”
The Aqaba Process has previously led to intelligence agreements and joint training initiatives, raising hopes for concrete outcomes, such as increased EU-Africa funding for border security.
West Africa is experiencing a 30% rise in attacks spilling over from the Sahel, posing a threat to coastal stability.
Tinubu’s agenda also includes discussions on maritime security to safeguard Nigeria’s Gulf of Guinea, a vital global economic route affected by piracy.
Domestically, his administration is also focused on reforms, including the recent clemency granted to 82 inmates, but security remains a top priority.
As the summit concludes Thursday, Tinubu aims to return with strengthened partnerships that could transform Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy.
A successful outcome in Rome could indicate strong leadership in the face of increasing regional instability.
