President Bola Tinubu has called on the leaders of countries on the Gulf of Guinea to promote maritime security and the development of the blue economy of their respective nations.
Tinubu made the call through the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Wednesday, at the commencement of the 8th edition of the symposium of heads of navy and coast guards of the Gulf of Guinea nations on marine environment in Abuja.
The symposium, hosted by the Nigerian Navy in partnership with the French Navy and the European Union (EU), has the theme: “Maritime security and sustainable development in the Gulf of Guinea.”
President Tinubu urged stakeholders to leverage on the symposium as a springboard for transformative action, fostering international cooperation on maritime security, and propelling the Gulf of Guinea nations toward sustainable development in Africa.
“Together, let us forge a secure, prosperous, and sustainable maritime future for our people and future generations. Such partnership, epitomises a workable model that could engender security for increased sustainable development within the region.
“I therefore pledge my administration’s continuous support for all other laudable objectives of the Nigerian Navy, as well as initiatives that will promote security within the Gulf of Guinea,’’ he said.
He noted that criminal activities like smuggling, illegal fishing, and piracy are a threat to the stability and safety of the Gulf area, restricting the ability of countries to effectively use its maritime resources.
Tinubu added that the symposium’s theme strikes a deep chord and encapsulates the core principles of the UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
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Also, he stated that the conference reflects the important goals of Africa’s agenda 2063 and is in line with the vision of Africa’s integrated maritime strategy 2050.
Tinubu noted further that the conference is taking place at a time when the majority of Gulf of Guinea countries are attempting to capitalise on the region’s tremendous blue economy potentials.
“The region has vast oil and natural gas reserves supplying about 10 percent of global energy demand, with significant quantities consumed in Europe, North America, and Asia.
“The Gulf of Guinea is also a central shipping route for international trade and fishing, with an average of about 1,500 tankers, cargo ships, as well as fishing vessels transiting the region daily.
“Yet, it is imperative to recognise the untapped potentials within the emerging sectors of the Gulf of Guinea, such as marine bio-technology, offshore renewable energy, deep sea mining, and marine tourism.
“These sectors present unparallel opportunities for advancing our blue economies, generating employment and contributing to poverty alleviation within the region and Africa at large,’’ he said.
