*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu avers it is high time the African Union Peace and Security Council prioritised the creation of a Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea to to enhance security in the region

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In a move to enhance peace in the region, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Africa Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) to prioritise the establishment of a Combined Maritime Taskforce in the Gulf of Guinea.

President Tinubu made the submission in his address Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The President also expressed Nigeria’s readiness to host the Headquarters of the proposed Taskforce in Lagos.

The Nigerian leader conveyed the country’s position as the AU considered the report on the AUPSC, focusing on peace and security in Africa, and the biennial report on the implementation of the Master Roadmap of Practical Steps to Silence the Guns in Africa (2023-2024).

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who noted this in a statement Sunday, said Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar. Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs, delivered Nigeria’s statement at the AU session on behalf of President Tinubu.

The President stated: “The time has come for the African Union Peace and Security Council to prioritise the creation of a Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea.

“I wish to announce that Nigeria would like to host the headquarters of the task force in Lagos.”

The statement also noted that Nigeria’s recommendation of a maritime Taskforce came up same day the West African country signed an agreement with the AU to provide Strategic Sea Lift Services for AU peace support operations, natural disaster support, humanitarian actions, and personnel movement.

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Badaru Abubakar, signed the agreement, Onanuga stated.

The Federal Government explained that under the agreement, the Nigerian Navy would provide a vessel for the operations on a cost-recovery basis.

Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Justice Minister, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Naval Chief, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, and Director-General of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Muhammed Muhammed, witnessed the agreement signing.

Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, signed for the AU.

President Tinubu expressed satisfaction that the AUPSC had already adopted the outcomes of a high鈥搇evel meeting, including the decision to upgrade the Nigerian National Counter-Terrorism Centre to a Regional Counter鈥揟errorism Centre.

Tinubu equally appreciated the Peace and Security Council’s decision to renew the mandate of the Multinational Joint Taskforce, addressing the twin challenges of terrorism and violent extremism in the Lake Chad Region.

The Presidential aide further disclosed that on Libya, Tinubu expressed concern that the instability in the North African country has continued to worsen security challenges in the Sahel.

The President urged the Assembly to back initiatives to restore law and order in the region.

He also warned that “The Sahel cannot enjoy peace as long as Libya does not.”

President Tinubu highlighted the severe insecurity affecting countries grappling with democratic transition, including Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Gabon.

Tinubu stated: “It would not be out of place to explore the possibility of extending the inherent benefits of UN Security Council Resolution 2719 to support AU Peace Support Operations.”

In doing so, he added that the AU must try to prevent the increasing incursion of extra-continental forces, including private military companies, into African security matters.

Besides, the Nigerian President welcomed the progress in operationalising the African Standby Force, reiterating the country’s support.

He as well appealed to all AU member countries and delegations to show the necessary flexibility and allow the draft MoU on the operationalisation of the standby force to be adopted.

On African credit rating agency

The statement noted President Tinubu strongly supported an African-led credit rating agency (ACRA).

He said that the agency would provide fairer, more transparent credit assessments for African economies.

The Nigeria leader further stated: “An independent African-led rating agency will help provide fairer assessments of African economies and reduce the bias often observed in existing global rating agencies.”

Tinubu commended the African Union (AU), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the Specialised Technical Committee (STC) on Finance for their visionary leadership in advancing an African framework for financing development among member states.

He noted that the Africa Financing Stability Mechanism (AFSM) is crucial as the continent continues to face significant challenges, including rising borrowing costs, debt overhang, low domestic resource mobilisation, and limited access to long-term affordable financing.

The President said: “The establishment of the AFSM underscores the collective commitment of member states in addressing financial vulnerabilities and fostering economic resilience across the continent.

“This mechanism is envisioned to support member states in achieving their national development objectives, and it will also help create economic opportunities for citizens.”

He also acknowledged the significant progress made at the 5th Extraordinary Session of the Specialised Technical Committee on Finance, held November 2025, in Abuja, FCT, which reached key decisions.

President Tinubu added: “The adoption of the AFSM by member states is expected to enhance financial stability, strengthen resilience against external shocks, and provide a more coordinated approach to managing financial risks across the continent.”

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