Nigeria’s the National Security Adviser (NSA) Babagana Monguno has said the rate of maritime crimes on the Gulf of Guinea is depriving the region of economic development.
Monguno made this known on Thursday, during the 4th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Gulf of Guinea Commission held in Abuja.
He said it is important to address the security challenges confronting member states of the Gulf of Guinea Commission which continues to impact negatively on the development of the region.
He called for concerted and unrelenting efforts by all stake holders, noting that the Gulf of Guinea Commission provides a veritable platform for tackling these numerous security challenges.
He urged increased cooperation and collaboration among member states as well as support for the Gulf of Guinea commission to enhance its capacity to deliver on its mandate.
He said the Commission is a frame work for consultations among the countries of the Gulf of Guinea for cooperation and development.
He said it is also for prevention, management and resolution of conflicts that may arise from the delimitation of borders and the economic and commercial exploitation of natural resources within the territorial boundaries.
He said the current situation in the Gulf of Guinea region with increased illegal activities of piracy, illicit drugs, human trafficking, illegal immigration, environmental pollution and degradation calls for greater attention by member countries.
He added that maritime security and economic prosperity are interdependent and mutually reinforcing.
He said, “Improvement of maritime security can positively contribute to increased national, regional and continental stability and by the same token make a substantial contribution to global security.”
