Buhari Vows To Beef up Maritime Security

By Dipo Olowookere

President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged to team up with other countries to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

He made this known on Thursday when he received the Executive Secretary of the Gulf of Guinea Commission, Ambassador (Mrs) Florentina Adenike Ukonga, at State House, Abuja.

The President acknowledged the strategic importance of the Commission, noting that most of the crude oil stolen from Nigeria was taken through the Gulf of Guinea.

“That region, between Senegal and Angola, affects our financial and physical security as a country. Nigeria will, therefore, meet all its obligations to the Gulf of Guinea Commission, and also encourage other member countries to do the same,” Mr Buhari promised.

He added that, “This administration will do its best to strengthen maritime security. The rejuvenation of the Gulf of Guinea Commission is vital, and Nigeria will participate more effectively because of the security implications.”

On her part, Mrs Ukonga disclosed that the Commission was established in 2001, to tackle piracy, unregulated fishing, drugs and human trafficking, environmental pollution, among others.

She further said the Gulf of Guinea Commission, with headquarters in Luanda, Angola, also generates awareness among member states on the need to maintain security in their territorial waters.

“We have been giving the bad guys in maritime a run for their money,” the Executive Secretary said.

The Commission has eight countries as members from West and Central Africa, with an intention to admit more countries soon.