Nigerian Government Reaffirms Commitment To GGC’s Goals.
By Caroline Ameh
The Nigerian government has reiterated its commitment to the goals and vision of the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC), pledging support for the work of the Secretariat. This reaffirmation was made by HE Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (OON), Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, during the 6th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government held in Accra, Ghana, on August 6, 2024.
In his address, Tuggar expressed regret over delays in Nigeria’s financial contributions for 2023 and 2024, attributing the issue to governmental transition following the 2023 elections. He assured that this matter is being addressed and will be resolved promptly.
Tuggar highlighted concerns that the pursuit of numerous mechanisms with limited resources might detract from the Commission’s core objectives. He urged the Assembly to focus on three primary goals: safety and security, sustainable development, and environmental protection.
On safety and security, Tuggar emphasized the need for a unified mechanism supported by legally binding agreements to combat criminal activities such as bunkering, illegal trade, migration, and unreported fishing. He advocated for integrating the Yaoundé Code of Conduct into national legislations to create enforceable agreements for the region’s waterways and seas.
Regarding natural resource exploration, Tuggar called for clear, measurable timelines and a more constructive approach to building international, regional, and subregional partnerships. This would enhance the Commission’s ability to adopt technologies and expertise for exploring and exploiting the Gulf of Guinea’s blue economy.
Tuggar also stressed the importance of environmental protection, urging the Commission to address environmental degradation, guard against radioactive material and nuclear waste dumping, and combat pollution from ships. He endorsed the establishment of the Combined Maritime Task Force, initiated by the Chiefs of Navies and Coast Guards, to foster regional synergy.
Nigeria’s commitment to the GGC was further demonstrated by the National Assembly’s passage of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act in 2019. This legislation aims to prevent and suppress piracy and other maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea. Tuggar reported significant progress, noting that Nigeria has not recorded any piracy incidents in its territorial waters since 2022.
The implementation of this law has led to convictions and enhanced Nigeria’s international image as a determined combatant against maritime crime. Tuggar proposed establishing a specialized court in the region for maritime piracy cases, drawing on international precedents.
He urged the GGC to lead this initiative, emphasizing the need for regional agreements and processes to facilitate the trial of offenders.
