President Bola Tinubu has called on the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) to prioritize forming a Combined Maritime Task Force to bolster security in the Gulf of Guinea.
Speaking at the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tinubu also voiced support for an African-led credit rating agency (ACRA). Represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to host the task force’s headquarters in Lagos.
A statement from presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga quoted Tinubu as saying, “The time has come for the African Union Peace and Security Council to prioritize 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.”
Nigeria Strengthens Maritime Security Collaboration with AU
On the same day, Nigeria signed an agreement with the AU to provide strategic sea lift services for peacekeeping missions, disaster relief, and humanitarian operations. Under this agreement, the Nigerian Navy will deploy a vessel for these tasks on a cost-recovery basis.
The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, and witnessed by key officials, including Attorney-General and Justice Minister Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Foreign Minister Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Naval Chief Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla. AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, signed on behalf of the AU.
Tinubu welcomed AUPSC’s decision to upgrade Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre into a Regional Counter-Terrorism Hub and renew the mandate of the Multinational Joint Task Force, which combats terrorism and extremism in the Lake Chad region.
Concerns Over Libya and Regional Security
The Nigerian leader expressed concerns about Libya’s ongoing instability, warning that insecurity in the North African nation continues to fuel violence in the Sahel. “The Sahel cannot enjoy peace as long as Libya does not,” he cautioned, urging AU leaders to support initiatives aimed at restoring stability.
He also highlighted the deteriorating security situation in countries undergoing democratic transitions, such as Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Gabon. He proposed leveraging UN Security Council Resolution 2719 to support AU peace operations while limiting foreign military influence on African security affairs.
Support for an African-Led Credit Rating Agency
President Tinubu strongly endorsed the establishment of an African-led credit rating agency (ACRA), emphasizing its potential to offer fairer and more transparent assessments of African economies compared to existing global agencies.
“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,” he stated.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of the Africa Financing Stability Mechanism (AFSM) to address economic vulnerabilities such as high borrowing costs, debt burdens, and limited access to affordable financing.
Financial Stability and Economic Resilience
Tinubu highlighted progress made at the 5th Extraordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Finance in Abuja in November 2025, where key financial stability measures were agreed upon. He encouraged AU member states to adopt the AFSM to enhance economic resilience and manage financial risks effectively.
“This mechanism is envisioned to support member states in achieving their national development objectives and will also help create economic opportunities for citizens,” he concluded.
With Nigeria taking an active role in AU security and economic initiatives, the country seeks to reinforce its leadership on the continent in tackling security threats and promoting financial independence.
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