KEY POINTS
- Tinubu demands the AU to form a Combined Maritime Task Force aimed at securing the Gulf of Guinea region.
- Nigeria became a member of AU sea lift agreement by establishing naval support operations for peace missions.
- The president supports an African-led rating agency to enhance the economic equality among nations.
The African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) should create a Combined Maritime Task Force according to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to increase Gulf of Guinea maritime security.
Tinubu raised his support for an African-led credit rating agency (ACRA) alongside his remarks at the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa.
Maritime security hub facilities will be operated by Nigeria
Through Minister Yusuf Tuggar Nigeria communicated that Lagos would function as the base for the task force headquarters. Tinubu proposed enhanced regional security throughout his presentation to the AU as the organization analyzed its peace and security report and the 2023-2024 Master Roadmap to Silence the Guns in Africa.
Nigeria’s dedication to fight against piracy was articulated through the words of Bayo Onanuga who serves as presidential spokesperson. It is essential for the AU Peace and Security Council to establish a Combined Maritime Task Force to defend the Gulf of Guinea region. The statement declared that Nigeria stands willing to base its headquarters in Lagos.
During this time Nigeria signed a military agreement with the African Union to become the provider of sea lift transportation services for peace support operations and disaster response and humanitarian missions. Defense Minister Badaru Abubakar approved the agreement which enables the Nigerian Navy to provide vessels through cost-recovery payment terms.
Strengthening Africa’s economic resilience
During his speech Tinubu emphasized the importance of creating an independent African credit rating agency (ACRA) because it would help combat erroneous global credit rating decisions. He declared that “An agency controlled by African stakeholders will deliver credit ratings which are both fair and transparent while cutting away foreign economic requirements.”
Through the Africa Financing Stability Mechanism (AFSM) he emphasized that Africa should tackle issues stemming from the surge in borrowing expenses along with debt accumulation and reduced availability of extended financing options.
The AFSM must be accepted by AU members according to his statement because it enables institutional financial stability and economic resilience throughout Africa.
The AU leaders were advised by Tinubu to endorse plans which would help stabilize Libya because the nation’s unstable condition produces insecurity throughout the Sahel region. Tinubu advocated for transforming the National Counter-Terrorism Centre into a Regional Counter-Terrorism Centre because Nigeria remains committed to securing the region.
