At the 38th African Union (AU) Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented a groundbreaking proposal to establish a regional security force dedicated to safeguarding the coastal waters of West Africa. The new security initiative, which aims to address the growing concerns of maritime security in the region, will be headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub.
The proposal was introduced by Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, who highlighted the increasing threats posed by piracy, illegal fishing, and other illicit activities that have plagued West Africa’s maritime domain. Tuggar stated that the creation of this specialized security force will help combat these issues, enhance regional cooperation, and protect the vital sea lanes that are crucial for international trade.
West Africa’s coastline, particularly the Gulf of Guinea, has become a hotspot for piracy, with the region recording some of the highest incidents of attacks on commercial vessels in recent years. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has consistently ranked the Gulf of Guinea as one of the most dangerous maritime regions in the world. In response, Nigeria, along with other coastal nations, has been seeking solutions to better secure these waters and ensure the safety of their maritime industries.
President Tinubu’s vision for a dedicated West African maritime security force would bring together the member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and regional organizations to establish a coordinated response to maritime threats. The force will be equipped with modern surveillance systems, fast-response naval units, and intelligence-sharing capabilities to tackle the growing menace of piracy and protect shipping lanes vital to global trade.
The new security initiative also aims to create a more stable environment for economic growth in the region. By curbing maritime crimes, it is expected that investments in offshore oil and gas, as well as fishing and shipping industries, will see significant growth, fostering broader economic development for West African nations.
Foreign Minister Tuggar emphasized that Nigeria’s leadership in hosting the security force’s headquarters in Lagos will not only reinforce the country’s commitment to regional security but also enhance its strategic position in addressing the security challenges facing the continent. Lagos, as one of Africa’s busiest ports, is a natural choice for the force’s headquarters, given its significant role in international trade and its proximity to key maritime routes.
This proposal has been welcomed by many African leaders at the AU Summit, with discussions expected to continue in the coming weeks to finalize the structure, mandate, and funding of the security force. The initiative is seen as a bold step towards fostering greater regional collaboration in addressing security threats and ensuring the long-term stability of West Africa’s coastal waters.
As President Tinubu continues to push for a safer and more prosperous West Africa, the establishment of the proposed maritime security force could become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s leadership role on the African continent.
