Former Minister of External Affairs, Professor Ibrahim Gambari has urged regional and international leaders to prioritise security in the Gulf of Guinea to unlock the region’s vast economic potential.
Speaking in New York at a high-level roundtable on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Gambari said the region, though rich in oil, gas, and critical minerals, continues to grapple with piracy, oil theft, and illegal fishing, which threaten investment and destabilise local communities.
He noted that improved cooperation among states has led to a decline in piracy in some areas, citing coordinated naval patrols and intelligence sharing as examples of progress.
Professor Gambari also highlighted Nigeria’s hosting of a Combined Maritime Task Force, approved by the African Union in April 2025, as evidence of renewed political will.
To ensure lasting security, he proposed a five-point agenda focused on strengthening security frameworks, integrating security with development, engaging the private sector, adopting technology, and establishing a Business Council for the Gulf of Guinea to promote collaboration.
He emphasised “the need for transparent management of natural resources to benefit local communities, stressing that inclusive governance and economic opportunity are key to addressing insecurity.”
Professor Gambari further aligned his proposals with continental goals such as ECOWAS Vision 2050 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
He warned that without collective action, the region’s potential would remain unrealised.