Nigeria reaffirms commitment to Gulf of Guinea Commission

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the Gulf of Guinea Commission, a regional organization aimed at promoting safety, security, and sustainable development in the region.

Speaking at the 6th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Gulf of Guinea Commission in Accra, Ghana, Mr. Tuggar apologized for President Bola Tinubu’s absence due to “exigencies of affairs of state.”

Tuggar commended the Commission’s efforts to promote regional security and development, and acknowledged Nigeria’s delayed payment of its financial contribution, attributing it to the country’s recent governmental transition.

He emphasized the need for the Commission to focus on three key goals: safety and security, sustainable development, and environmental protection. Tuggar also called for harmonized mechanisms to combat criminality, bunkering, and illegal activities in the region.

Nigeria has taken steps to address piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, including passing the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act in 2019, which has led to convictions and a significant containment of threats.

Minister Tuggar proposed the establishment of a specialized court to try maritime piracy cases, citing international jurisdictions as examples.

The Nigerian minister reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the Commission’s mandate and goals, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation in achieving sustainable development and security in the Gulf of Guinea.