More than 30 heads of navies and coastguards from the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) nations have gathered in Abuja for the 8th Maritime Security Symposium hosted by the Nigerian Navy.
The event, themed “Maritime Security and Sustainable Development in the Gulf of Guinea,” is being held in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the French Navy. It aims to address critical issues affecting the security of the GoG, a vital sea route rich in oil and gas resources.
Speaking during the welcoming Ice Breaker event at Transcorp Hilton on Tuesday, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, highlighted the importance of collaboration in tackling maritime threats.
“The Gulf of Guinea is a strategic region with vast resources. It is the responsibility of navies and coastguards in the area to provide a secure environment for businesses to thrive,” Ogalla said.
He added that more than 30 countries and representatives from international organizations are participating, emphasizing the necessity of regional and international cooperation.
“The ocean is a fluid environment with no boundaries for fish or currents, making collaboration the only effective way to address threats,” Ogalla explained.
The EU Ambassador Designate, Gautier Mignot, commended Nigeria’s leadership in organizing the symposium and stressed the importance of international support. He highlighted the EU’s alignment with Africa’s Yaoundé Architecture for Maritime Security to combat piracy, illegal fishing, and environmental crimes in the region.
Adm. Nicolas Vaujour, Chief of the French Navy, also emphasized the value of joint naval exercises with Nigeria, which have enhanced information sharing and collaborative problem-solving.
Rear Adm. Bekale Hubert, Chief of Staff of the Gabonese National Navy, called for united efforts among GoG nations, urging for pooled resources and intelligence sharing to strengthen the fight against maritime crime.
The symposium continues with discussions aimed at reinforcing sustainable security frameworks and fostering partnerships to secure the Gulf of Guinea.
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