Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the peace, security, and stability of the Gulf of Guinea, highlighting ongoing reforms within the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC).
The Vice President made the statement while receiving the Executive Secretary of the GGC, Jose Mba Abeso, and his team on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He emphasised Nigeria’s dedication to regional cooperation and the African Union’s 2050 Integrated Maritime Strategy.
Vice President @KashimSM has reaffirmed President @officialABAT’s commitment to the peace, security, and stability of the Gulf of Guinea, particularly the ongoing reforms in the Gulf of Guinea Commission (@Oficial_GGC).
He particularly noted Nigeria’s commitment to regional… pic.twitter.com/X4YIkpdPSj
— Senator Kashim Shettima (@officialSKSM) September 2, 2025
“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I reaffirm Nigeria’s strong commitment to the objectives of the GGC. Nobody can undermine the role of the Commission in fostering cooperation, peace, and sustainable development in the Gulf of Guinea.
“As Africa’s most populous nation and unarguably the largest economy, we have interests to protect, promote, project, and preserve in the Gulf of Guinea. Be reassured that some of the issues you have raised, the President will give them the desired attention. We want the Gulf of Guinea to function effectively,” he said.
He commended the GGC’s management, assuring the commission of Nigeria’s “unalloyed commitment to the ideals and objectives of the commission.”
In response, Executive Secretary Jose Mba Abeso sought Nigeria’s support for the commission’s reform programmes, aimed at expanding membership to all 19 coastal states of the Gulf of Guinea and enhancing peace and security in the region.
He also highlighted the need for regional stakeholders to jointly engage insurance companies in reviewing high premiums for the movement of goods in the Gulf of Guinea.
Commending Nigeria’s leading role in establishing the Combined Maritime Taskforce in the region, Abeso requested President Tinubu’s support in rallying other political leaders to operationalise the force.
Also present at the meeting were the Force Commander of the Combined Maritime Taskforce for the Gulf of Guinea, Commodore M.S. Shettima; Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde from the Defence Headquarters; Ambassador Obinna Agbugba from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Adebowale Badejo from the GGC, among others.